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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Typee by Herman Melville
+
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no
+restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under
+the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or
+online at http://www.gutenberg.org/license
+
+
+
+Title: Typee
+
+Author: Herman Melville
+
+Release Date: May 1,  2009 [Ebook #28656]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: US-ASCII
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TYPEE***
+
+
+
+
+
+  [Illustration: FAYAWAY AND I HAD A DELIGHTFUL LITTLE PARTY ON THE
+  LAKE]
+
+
+
+
+
+                                 TYPEE
+                             HERMAN MELVILLE
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS BY
+MEAD SCHAEFFER
+
+DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY
+PUBLISHERS    NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+
+                                 CONTENTS
+
+
+  CHAPTER                                                              PAGE
+        I   A LAND-SICK SHIP                                              1
+            The sea--Longings for shore--A land-sick ship--Destination
+            of the voyagers
+       II   TO THE MARQUESAS                                              5
+            Passage from the cruising ground to the Marquesas--Sleepy
+            times aboard ship--South Sea scenery--Land ho!--The French
+            squadron discovered at anchor in the bay of
+            Nukuheva--Strange pilot--Escort of canoes--A flotilla of
+            cocoa-nuts--Swimming visitors--The _Dolly_ boarded by
+            them--State of affairs that ensue.
+      III   AFFAIRS ABOARD                                               14
+            State of affairs aboard the ship--Contents of her
+            larder--Length of South Seamen's voyages--Account of a
+            flying whale-man--Determination to leave the vessel--The
+            bay of Nukuheva--The Typees.
+       IV   LAST NIGHT ABOARD                                            21
+            Thoughts previous to attempting an escape--Toby, a
+            fellow-sailor, agrees to share the adventure--Last night
+            aboard the ship.
+        V   THE ESCAPE                                                   26
+            A specimen of nautical oratory--Criticisms of the
+            sailors--The starboard watch are given a holiday--The
+            escape to the mountains.
+       VI   DISAPPOINTMENT                                               34
+            The other side of the mountain--Disappointment--Inventory
+            of articles brought from the ship--Division of the stock
+            of bread--Appearance of the interior of the island--A
+            discovery--A ravine and waterfalls--A sleepless
+            night--Further discoveries--My illness--A Marquesan
+            landscape.
+      VII   A WILD-GOOSE CHASE                                           45
+            The important question, Typee or Happar?--A wild-goose
+            chase--My sufferings--Disheartening situation--A night in
+            the ravine--Morning meal--Happy idea of Toby--Journey
+            towards the valley.
+     VIII   INTO THE VALLEY                                              54
+            Perilous passage of the ravine--Descent into the valley.
+       IX   CAUTIOUS ADVANCE                                             63
+            The head of the valley--Cautious advance--A
+            path--Fruit--Discovery of two of the natives--Their
+            singular conduct--Approach towards the inhabited parts of
+            the vale--Sensation produced by our appearance--Reception
+            at the house of one of the natives.
+        X   MORNING VISITORS                                             75
+            Midnight reflections--Morning visitors--A warrior in
+            costume--A savage AEsculapius--Practice of the healing
+            art--Body-servant--A dwelling-house of the valley
+            described--Portraits of its inmates.
+       XI   ADVENTURE IN THE DARK                                        90
+            Officiousness of Kory-Kory--His devotion--A bath in the
+            stream--Want of refinement of the Typee damsels--Stroll
+            with Mehevi--A Typee highway--The Taboo groves--The hoolah
+            hoolah ground--The Ti--Timeworn savages--Hospitality of
+            Mehevi--Midnight musings--Adventure in the
+            dark--Distinguished honours paid to the visitors--Strange
+            procession, and return to the house of Marheyo.
+      XII   ADVENTURE OF TOBY                                           101
+            Attempt to procure relief from Nukuheva--Perilous
+            adventure of Toby in the Happar Mountains--Eloquence of
+            Kory-Kory.
+     XIII   A GREAT EVENT                                               109
+            A great event happens in the valley--The island
+            telegraph--Something befalls Toby--Fayaway displays a
+            tender heart--Melancholy reflections--Mysterious conduct
+            of the islanders--Devotion of Kory-Kory--A rural couch--A
+            luxury--Kory-Kory strikes a light _a la_ Typee.
+      XIV   KINDNESS OF THE ISLANDERS                                   120
+            Kindness of Marheyo and the rest of the islanders--A full
+            description of the bread-fruit tree--Different modes of
+            preparing the fruit.
+       XV   MELANCHOLY CONDITION                                        126
+            Melancholy condition--Occurrence at the Ti--Anecdote of
+            Marheyo--Shaving the head of a warrior.
+      XVI   IMPROVEMENT                                                 132
+            Improvement in health and spirits--Felicity of the
+            Typees--A skirmish in the mountain with the warriors of
+            Happar.
+     XVII   A STRANGER ARRIVES                                          140
+            Swimming in company with the girls of the valley--A
+            canoe--Effects of the taboo--A pleasure excursion on the
+            pond--Beautiful freak of Fayaway--Mantua-making--A stranger
+            arrives in the valley--His mysterious conduct--Native
+            oratory--The interview--Its results--Departure of the
+            stranger.
+    XVIII   BATTLE OF THE POP-GUNS                                      155
+            Reflection after Marnoo's departure--Battle of the
+            pop-guns--Strange conceit of Marheyo--Process of making
+            tappa.
+      XIX   DANCES                                                      162
+            History of a day as usually spent in the Typee
+            valley--Dances of the Marquesan girls.
+       XX   MONUMENTS                                                   167
+            The spring of Arva Wai--Remarkable monumental
+            remains--Some ideas with regard to the history of the
+            pi-pis found in the valley.
+      XXI   A FESTIVAL                                                  171
+            Preparations for a grand festival in the valley--Strange
+            doings in the Taboo Groves--Monument of Calabashes--Gala
+            costume of the Typee damsels--Departure for the festival.
+     XXII   THE FEAST OF CALABASHES                                     178
+            The Feast of Calabashes.
+    XXIII   RELIGION OF THE TYPEES                                      185
+            Ideas suggested by the Feast of Calabashes--Effigy of a
+            dead warrior--A singular superstition--The priest Kolory
+            and the god Moa Artua--Amazing religious observance--A
+            dilapidated shrine--Kory-Kory and the idol--An inference.
+     XXIV   BEAUTY OF THE TYPEES                                        196
+            General information gathered at the festival--Personal
+            beauty of the Typees--Their superiority over the
+            inhabitants of the other islands--Diversity of
+            complexion--A vegetable cosmetic and ointment--Testimony
+            of voyagers to the uncommon beauty of the Marquesans--Few
+            evidences of intercourse with civilized
+            beings--Dilapidated musket--Primitive simplicity of
+            government--Regal dignity of Mehevi.
+      XXV   MARRIAGE CUSTOMS                                            204
+            King Mehevi--Conduct of Marheyo and Mehevi in certain
+            delicate matters--Peculiar system of marriage--Number of
+            population--Uniformity--Embalming--Places of
+            sepulture--Funeral obsequies at Nukuheva--Number of
+            inhabitants in Typee--Location of the dwellings--Happiness
+            enjoyed in the valley.
+     XXVI   SOCIAL CONDITIONS                                           210
+            The social condition and general character of the
+            Typees.
+    XXVII   FISHING PARTIES                                             216
+            Fishing parties--Mode of distributing the fish--Midnight
+            banquet--Timekeeping tapers--Unceremonious style of eating
+            the fish.
+   XXVIII   NATURAL HISTORY                                             220
+            Natural history of the valley--Golden lizards--Tameness of
+            the birds--Mosquitoes--Flies--Dogs--A solitary cat--The
+            climate--The cocoa-nut tree--Singular modes of climbing
+            it--An agile young chief--Fearlessness of the
+            children--Too-too and the cocoa-nut tree--The birds of the
+            valley.
+     XXIX   TATTOOING                                                   228
+            A professor of the fine arts--His persecutions--Something
+            about tattooing and tabooing--Two anecdotes in
+            illustration of the latter--A few thoughts on the Typee
+            dialect.
+      XXX   MUSIC                                                       238
+            Strange custom of the islanders--Their chanting, and the
+            peculiarity of their voice--Rapture of the king at first
+            hearing a song--A new dignity conferred on the
+            author--Musical instruments in the valley--Admiration of
+            the savages at beholding a pugilistic
+            performance--Swimming infant--Beautiful tresses of the
+            girls--Ointment for the hair.
+     XXXI   CANNIBALISM                                                 244
+            Apprehensions of evil--Frightful discovery--Some remarks
+            on cannibalism--Second battle with the Happars--Savage
+            spectacle--Mysterious feast--Subsequent disclosures.
+    XXXII   ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE                                           254
+            The stranger again arrives in the valley--Singular
+            interview with him--Attempt to escape--Failure--Melancholy
+            situation--Sympathy of Marheyo.
+   XXXIII   THE ESCAPE                                                  260
+            The escape
+            SEQUEL                                                      270
+            NOTE.--The Author of "Typee" was more than two years in
+            the South Seas, after escaping from the valley, as
+            recounted in the last chapter. Some time after returning
+            home the foregoing narrative was published, though it
+            was little thought at the time that this would be the
+            means of revealing the existence of Toby, who had long
+            been given up for lost. But so it proved. The story of
+            his escape supplies a natural sequel to the adventure,
+            and as such it is now added to the volume. It was
+            related to the Author by Toby himself.
+            APPENDIX                                                    285
+
+
+
+
+
+                              ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+    Fayaway and I had a delightful little party on the       _Frontispiece_
+      lake                                                      FACING PAGE
+    I found him ripe for the enterprise, and a very few                  22
+      words sufficed for a mutual understanding between us
+    At last we gained the top of the second elevation                    48
+    We were soon completely encircled by a dense throng                  68
+    The body was carried into the house and laid on a mat               104
+    Thus arrayed, I would have matched the charming                     174
+      Fayaway against any beauty in the world
+    Mehevi                                                              200
+    About midnight I arose and drew the slide                           256
+
+
+
+
+
+                                  TYPEE
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                                  TYPEE
+
+
+
+
+
+                                CHAPTER I
+
+
+      The sea--Longings for shore--A land-sick ship--Destination of the
+                                voyagers.
+
+
+Six months at sea! Yes, reader, as I live, six months out of sight of
+land; cruising after the sperm whale beneath the scorching sun of the
+Line, and tossed on the billows of the wide-rolling Pacific--the sky above,
+the sea around, and nothing else! Weeks and weeks ago our fresh provisions
+were all exhausted. There is not a sweet potato left; not a single yam.
+Those glorious bunches of bananas which once decorated our stern and
+quarter-deck, have, alas, disappeared! and the delicious oranges which
+hung suspended from our tops and stays--they, too, are gone! Yes, they are
+all departed, and there is nothing left us but salt-horse and sea-biscuit.
+
+Oh! for a refreshing glimpse of one blade of grass--for a snuff at the
+fragrance of a handful of the loamy earth! Is there nothing fresh around
+us? Is there no green thing to be seen? Yes, the inside of our bulwarks is
+painted green; but what a vile and sickly hue it is, as if nothing bearing
+even the semblance of verdure could flourish this weary way from land.
+Even the bark that once clung to the wood we use for fuel has been gnawed
+off and devoured by the captain's pig; and so long ago, too, that the pig
+himself has in turn been devoured.
+
+There is but one solitary tenant in the chicken-coop, once a gay and
+dapper young cock, bearing him so bravely among the coy hens. But look at
+him now; there he stands, moping all the day long on that everlasting one
+leg of his. He turns with disgust from the mouldy corn before him, and the
+brackish water in his little trough. He mourns no doubt his lost
+companions, literally snatched from him one by one, and never seen again.
+But his days of mourning will be few; for Mungo, our black cook, told me
+yesterday that the word had at last gone forth, and poor Pedro's fate was
+sealed. His attenuated body will be laid out upon the captain's table next
+Sunday, and long before night will be buried, with all the usual
+ceremonies, beneath that worthy individual's vest. Who would believe that
+there could be any one so cruel as to long for the decapitation of the
+luckless Pedro; yet the sailors pray every minute, selfish fellows, that
+the miserable fowl may be brought to his end. They say the captain will
+never point the ship for the land so long as he has in anticipation a mess
+of fresh meat. This unhappy bird can alone furnish it; and when he is once
+devoured, the captain will come to his senses. I wish thee no harm, Peter;
+but as thou art doomed, sooner or later, to meet the fate of all thy race;
+and if putting a period to thy existence is to be the signal for our
+deliverance, why--truth to speak--I wish thy throat cut this very moment;
+for, oh! how I wish to see the living earth again! The old ship herself
+longs to look out upon the land from her hawseholes once more, as Jack
+Lewis said right the other day when the captain found fault with his
+steering.
+
+"Why, d'ye see, Captain Vangs," says bold Jack, "I'm as good a helmsman as
+ever put hand to spoke; but none of us can steer the old lady now. We
+can't keep her full and bye, sir: watch her ever so close, she will fall
+off; and then, sir, when I put the helm down so gently and try like to
+coax her to the work, she won't take it kindly, but will fall round off
+again; and it's all because she knows the land is under the lee, sir, and
+she won't go any more to windward." Ay, and why should she, Jack? didn't
+every one of her stout timbers grow on shore, and hasn't she sensibilities
+as well as we?
+
+Poor old ship! Her very looks denote her desires: how deplorable she
+appears! The paint on her sides, burnt up by the scorching sun, is puffed
+out and cracked. See the weeds she trails along with her, and what an
+unsightly bunch of these horrid barnacles has formed about her
+stern-piece; and every time she rises on a sea, she shows her copper torn
+away or hanging in jagged strips.
+
+Poor old ship! I say again: for six months she has been rolling and
+pitching about, never for one moment at rest. But courage, old lass, I
+hope to see thee soon within a biscuit's toss of the merry land, riding
+snugly at anchor in some green cove, and sheltered from the boisterous
+winds.
+
+                           * * * * * * * * * *
+
+"Hurrah, my lads! It's a settled thing; next week we shape our course to
+the Marquesas!" The Marquesas! What strange visions of outlandish things
+does the very name spirit up! Lovely houris--cannibal banquets--groves of
+cocoa-nuts--coral reefs--tattooed chiefs--and bamboo temples; sunny valleys
+planted with bread-fruit trees--carved canoes dancing on the flashing blue
+waters--savage woodlands guarded by horrible idols--_heathenish rites and
+human sacrifices_.
+
+Such were the strangely jumbled anticipations that haunted me during our
+passage from the cruising ground. I felt an irresistible curiosity to see
+those islands which the olden voyagers had so glowingly described.
+
+The group for which we were now steering (although among the earliest of
+European discoveries in the South Seas, having been first visited in the
+year 1595) still continues to be tenanted by beings as strange and
+barbarous as ever. The missionaries, sent on a heavenly errand, had sailed
+by their lovely shores, and had abandoned them to their idols of wood and
+stone. How interesting the circumstances under which they were discovered!
+In the watery path of Mendanna, cruising in quest of some region of gold,
+these isles had sprung up like a scene of enchantment, and for a moment
+the Spaniard believed his bright dream was realized. In honour of the
+Marquess de Mendoza, then viceroy of Peru--under whose auspices the
+navigator sailed--he bestowed upon them the name which denoted the rank of
+his patron, and gave to the world, on his return, a vague and magnificent
+account of their beauty. But these islands, undisturbed for years,
+relapsed into their previous obscurity; and it is only recently that
+anything has been known concerning them. Once in the course of a half
+century, to be sure, some adventurous rover would break in upon their
+peaceful repose, and, astonished at the unusual scene, would be almost
+tempted to claim the merit of a new discovery.
+
+Of this interesting group, but little account has ever been given, if we
+except the slight mention made of them in the sketches of South Sea
+voyages. Cook, in his repeated circumnavigations of the globe, barely
+touched at their shores; and all that we know about them is from a few
+general narratives.
+
+Within the last few years, American and English vessels engaged in the
+extensive whale fisheries of the Pacific have occasionally, when short of
+provisions, put into the commodious harbour which there is in one of the
+islands; but a fear of the natives, founded on the recollection of the
+dreadful fate which many white men have received at their hands, has
+deterred their crews from intermixing with the population sufficiently to
+gain any insight into their peculiar customs and manners. Indeed, there is
+no cluster of islands in the Pacific that has been any length of time
+discovered, of which so little has hitherto been known as the Marquesas,
+and it is a pleasing reflection that this narrative of mine will do
+something towards withdrawing the veil from regions so romantic and
+beautiful.
+
+
+
+
+
+                                CHAPTER II
+
+
+      Passage from the cruising ground to the Marquesas--Sleepy times
+        aboard ship--South Sea scenery--Land ho!--The French squadron
+     discovered at anchor in the bay of Nukuheva--Strange pilot--Escort
+     of canoes--A flotilla of cocoa-nuts--Swimming visitors--The _Dolly_
+               boarded by them--State of affairs that ensue.
+
+
+I can never forget the eighteen or twenty days during which the light
+trade-winds were silently sweeping us towards the islands. In pursuit of
+the sperm whale, we had been cruising on the line some twenty degrees to
+the westward of the Gallipagos; and all that we had to do, when our course
+was determined on, was to square in the yards and keep the vessel before
+the breeze, and then the good ship and the steady gale did the rest
+between them. The man at the wheel never vexed the old lady with any
+superfluous steering, but comfortably adjusting his limbs at the tiller,
+would doze away by the hour. True to her work, the _Dolly_ headed to her
+course, and like one of those characters who always do best when let
+alone, she jogged on her way like a veteran old sea-pacer as she was.
+
+What a delightful, lazy, languid time we had whilst we were thus gliding
+along! There was nothing to be done; a circumstance that happily suited
+our disinclination to do anything. We abandoned the fore-peak altogether,
+and spreading an awning over the forecastle, slept, ate, and lounged under
+it the live-long day. Every one seemed to be under the influence of some
+narcotic. Even the officers aft, whose duty required them never to be
+seated while keeping a deck watch, vainly endeavoured to keep on their
+pins; and were obliged invariably to compromise the matter by leaning up
+against the bulwarks, and gazing abstractedly over the side. Reading was
+out of the question; take a book in your hand, and you were asleep in an
+instant.
+
+Although I could not avoid yielding in a great measure to the general
+languor, still at times I contrived to shake off the spell, and to
+appreciate the beauty of the scene around me. The sky presented a clear
+expanse of the most delicate blue, except along the skirts of the horizon,
+where you might see a thin drapery of pale clouds which never varied their
+form or colour. The long, measured, dirge-like swell of the Pacific came
+rolling along, with its surface broken by little tiny waves, sparkling in
+the sunshine. Every now and then a shoal of flying fish, scared from the
+water under the bows, would leap into the air, and fall the next moment
+like a shower of silver into the sea. Then you would see the superb
+albicore with his glittering sides, sailing aloft, and after describing an
+arc in his descent, disappear on the surface of the water. Far off, the
+lofty jet of the whale might be seen, and nearer at hand the prowling
+shark, that villanous footpad of the seas, would come skulking along, and,
+at a wary distance, regard us with an evil eye. At times, some shapeless
+monster of the deep, floating on the surface, would, as we approach, sink
+slowly into the blue waters, and fade away from the sight. But the most
+impressive feature of the scene was the almost unbroken silence that
+reigned over sky and water. Scarcely a sound could be heard but the
+occasional breathing of the grampus, and the rippling at the cut-water.
+
+As we drew nearer the land, I hailed with delight the appearance of
+innumerable sea-fowl. Screaming and whirling in spiral tracks, they would
+accompany the vessel, and at times alight on our yards and stays. That
+piratical-looking fellow, appropriately named the man-of-war's-hawk, with
+his blood-red bill and raven plumage, would come sweeping round us in
+gradually diminishing circles, till you could distinctly mark the strange
+flashings of his eye; and then, as if satisfied with his observation,
+would sail up into the air and disappear from the view. Soon, other
+evidences of our vicinity to the land were apparent, and it was not long
+before the glad announcement of it being in sight was heard from
+aloft,--given with that peculiar prolongation of sound that a sailor
+loves--"Land ho!"
+
+The captain, darting on deck from the cabin, bawled lustily for his
+spy-glass; the mate in still louder accents hailed the mast-head with a
+tremendous "Where-away?" The black cook thrust his woolly head from the
+galley, and Boatswain, the dog, leaped up between the knight-heads, and
+barked most furiously. Land ho! Ay, there it was. A hardly perceptible
+blue irregular outline, indicating the bold contour of the lofty heights
+of Nukuheva.
+
+This island, although generally called one of the Marquesas, is by some
+navigators considered as forming one of a distinct cluster, comprising the
+islands of Roohka, Ropo, and Nukuheva; upon which three the appellation of
+the Washington Group has been bestowed. They form a triangle, and lie
+within the parallels of 8 deg. 38{~PRIME~} and 9 deg. 32{~PRIME~} south latitude, and 139 deg. 20{~PRIME~} and
+140 deg. 10{~PRIME~} west longitude, from Greenwich. With how little propriety they
+are to be regarded as forming a separate group will be at once apparent,
+when it is considered that they lie in the immediate vicinity of the other
+islands, that is to say, less than a degree to the north-west of them;
+that their inhabitants speak the Marquesan dialect, and that their laws,
+religion, and general customs are identical. The only reason why they were
+ever thus arbitrarily distinguished, may be attributed to the singular
+fact, that their existence was altogether unknown to the world until the
+year 1791, when they were discovered by Captain Ingraham, of Boston,
+Massachusetts, nearly two centuries after the discovery of the adjacent
+islands by the agent of the Spanish Viceroy. Notwithstanding this, I shall
+follow the example of most voyagers, and treat of them as forming part and
+parcel of the Marquesas.
+
+Nukuheva is the most important of these islands, being the only one at
+which ships are much in the habit of touching, and is celebrated as being
+the place where the adventurous Captain Porter refitted his ships during
+the late war between England and the United States, and whence he sallied
+out upon the large whaling fleet then sailing under the enemy's flag in
+the surrounding seas. This island is about twenty miles in length, and
+nearly as many in breadth. It has three good harbours on its coast, the
+largest and best of which is called by the people living in its vicinity,
+"Tyohee," and by Captain Porter was denominated Massachusetts Bay. Among
+the adverse tribes dwelling about the shores of the other bays, and by all
+voyagers, it is generally known by the name bestowed upon the island
+itself--Nukuheva. Its inhabitants have become somewhat corrupted, owing to
+their recent commerce with Europeans; but so far as regards their peculiar
+customs, and general mode of life, they retain their original primitive
+character, remaining very nearly in the same state of nature in which they
+were first beheld by white men. The hostile clans, residing in the more
+remote sections of the island, and very seldom holding any communication
+with foreigners, are in every respect unchanged from their earliest known
+condition.
+
+In the bay of Nukuheva was the anchorage we desired to reach. We had
+perceived the loom of the mountains about sunset; so that, after running
+all night with a very light breeze, we found ourselves close in with the
+island the next morning; but as the bay we sought lay on its farther side,
+we were obliged to sail some distance along the shore, catching, as we
+proceeded, short glimpses of blooming valleys, deep glens, waterfalls, and
+waving groves, hidden here and there by projecting and rocky headlands,
+every moment opening to the view some new and startling scene of beauty.
+
+Those who for the first time visit the South Seas, generally are surprised
+at the appearance of the islands when beheld from the sea. From the vague
+accounts we sometimes have of their beauty, many people are apt to picture
+to themselves enamelled and softly swelling plains, shaded over with
+delicious groves, and watered by purling brooks, and the entire country
+but little elevated above the surrounding ocean. The reality is very
+different; bold rock-bound coasts, with the surf beating high against the
+lofty cliffs, and broken here and there into deep inlets, which open to
+the view thickly-wooded valleys, separated by the spurs of mountains
+clothed with tufted grass, and sweeping down towards the sea from an
+elevated and furrowed interior, form the principal features of these
+islands.
+
+Towards noon we drew abreast the entrance to the harbour, and at last we
+slowly swept by the intervening promontory, and entered the bay of
+Nukuheva. No description can do justice to its beauty; but that beauty was
+lost to me then, and I saw nothing but the tri-coloured flag of France,
+trailing over the stern of six vessels, whose black hulls, and bristling
+broadsides, proclaimed their warlike character. There they were, floating
+in that lovely bay, the green eminences of the shore looking down so
+tranquilly upon them, as if rebuking the sternness of their aspect. To my
+eye, nothing could be more out of keeping than the presence of these
+vessels; but we soon learnt what brought them there. The whole group of
+islands had just been taken possession of by Rear-Admiral Du Petit
+Thouars, in the name of the invincible French nation.
+
+This item of information was imparted to us by a most extraordinary
+individual, a genuine South Sea vagabond, who came alongside of us in a
+whale-boat as soon as we entered the bay, and, by the aid of some
+benevolent persons at the gangway, was assisted on board, for our visitor
+was in that interesting stage of intoxication when a man is amiable and
+helpless. Although he was utterly unable to stand erect, or to navigate
+his body across the deck, he still magnanimously proffered his services to
+pilot the ship to a good and secure anchorage. Our captain, however,
+rather distrusted his ability in this respect, and refused to recognise
+his claim to the character he assumed; but our gentleman was determined to
+play his part, for, by dint of much scrambling, he succeeded in getting
+into the weather-quarter boat, where he steadied himself by holding on to
+a shroud, and then commenced issuing his commands with amazing volubility
+and very peculiar gestures. Of course, no one obeyed his orders; but as it
+was impossible to quiet him, we swept by the ships of the squadron with
+this strange fellow performing his antics in full view of all the French
+officers.
+
+We afterwards learned that our eccentric friend had been a lieutenant in
+the English navy, but having disgraced his flag by some criminal conduct
+in one of the principal ports on the main, he had deserted his ship, and
+spent many years wandering among the islands of the Pacific, until
+accidentally being at Nukuheva when the French took possession of the
+place, he had been appointed pilot of the harbour by the newly constituted
+authorities.
+
+As we slowly advanced up the bay, numerous canoes pushed off from the
+surrounding shores, and we were soon in the midst of quite a flotilla of
+them, their savage occupants struggling to get aboard of us, and jostling
+one another in their ineffectual attempts. Occasionally the projecting
+out-riggers of their slight shallops, running foul of one another, would
+become entangled beneath the water, threatening to capsize the canoes,
+when a scene of confusion would ensue that baffles description. Such
+strange outcries and passionate gesticulations I never certainly heard or
+saw before. You would have thought the islanders were on the point of
+flying at one another's throats, whereas they were only amicably engaged
+in disentangling their boats.
+
+Scattered here and there among the canoes might be seen numbers of
+cocoa-nuts floating closely together in circular groups, and bobbing up
+and down with every wave. By some inexplicable means these cocoa-nuts were
+all steadily approaching towards the ship. As I leaned curiously over the
+side, endeavouring to solve their mysterious movements, one mass, far in
+advance of the rest, attracted my attention. In its centre was something I
+could take for nothing else than a cocoa-nut, but which I certainly
+considered one of the most extraordinary specimens of the fruit I had ever
+seen. It kept twirling and dancing about among the rest in the most
+singular manner: and as it drew nearer, I thought it bore a remarkable
+resemblance to the brown shaven skull of one of the savages. Presently it
+betrayed a pair of eyes, and soon I became aware that what I had supposed
+to have been one of the fruit was nothing else than the head of an
+islander, who had adopted this singular method of bringing his produce to
+market. The cocoa-nuts were all attached to one another by strips of the
+husk, partly torn from the shell, and rudely fastened together. Their
+proprietor, inserting his head into the midst of them, impelled his
+necklace of cocoa-nuts through the water by striking out beneath the
+surface with his feet.
+
+I was somewhat astonished to perceive that among the number of natives
+that surrounded us, not a single female was to be seen. At that time I was
+ignorant of the fact that by the operation of the "taboo," the use of
+canoes in all parts of the island is rigorously prohibited to the entire
+sex, for whom it is death even to be seen entering one when hauled on
+shore; consequently, whenever a Marquesan lady voyages by water, she puts
+in requisition the paddles of her own fair body.
+
+We had approached within a mile and a half perhaps of the foot of the bay,
+when some of the islanders, who by this time had managed to scramble
+aboard of us at the risk of swamping their canoes, directed our attention
+to a singular commotion in the water ahead of the vessel. At first I
+imagined it to be produced by a shoal of fish sporting on the surface, but
+our savage friends assured us that it was caused by a shoal of
+"whinhenies" (young girls), who in this manner were coming off from the
+shore to welcome us. As they drew nearer, and I watched the rising and
+sinking of their forms, and beheld the uplifted right arm bearing above
+the water the girdle of tappa, and their long dark hair trailing beside
+them as they swam, I almost fancied they could be nothing else than so
+many mermaids:--and very like mermaids they behaved too.
+
+We were still some distance from the beach, and under slow headway, when
+we sailed right into the midst of these swimming nymphs, and they boarded
+us at every quarter; many seizing hold of the chainplates and springing
+into the chains; others, at the peril of being run over by the vessel in
+her course, catching at the bob-stays, and wreathing their slender forms
+about the ropes, hung suspended in the air. All of them at length
+succeeded in getting up the ship's side, where they clung dripping with
+the brine and glowing from the bath, their jet-black tresses streaming
+over their shoulders, and half enveloping their otherwise naked forms.
+There they hung, sparkling with savage vivacity, laughing gaily at one
+another, and chattering away with infinite glee. Nor were they idle the
+while, for each one performed the simple offices of the toilet for the
+other. Their luxuriant locks, wound up and twisted into the smallest
+possible compass, were freed from the briny element; the whole person
+carefully dried, and from a little round shell that passed from hand to
+hand, anointed with a fragrant oil: their adornments were completed by
+passing a few loose folds of white tappa, in a modest cincture, around the
+waist. Thus arrayed they no longer hesitated, but flung themselves lightly
+over the bulwarks, and were quickly frolicking about the decks. Many of
+them went forward, perching upon the head-rails or running out upon the
+bow-sprit, while others seated themselves upon the taffrail, or reclined
+at full length upon the boats.
+
+Their appearance perfectly amazed me; their extreme youth, the light clear
+brown of their complexions, their delicate features, and inexpressibly
+graceful figures, their softly moulded limbs, and free unstudied action,
+seemed as strange as beautiful.
+
+The _Dolly_ was fairly captured; and never I will say was vessel carried
+before by such a dashing and irresistible party of boarders. The ship
+taken, we could not do otherwise than yield ourselves prisoners, and for
+the whole period that she remained in the bay, the _Dolly_, as well as her
+crew, were completely in the hands of the mermaids.
+
+In the evening after we had come to an anchor, the deck was illuminated
+with lanterns, and this picturesque band of sylphs, tricked out with
+flowers, and dressed in robes of variegated tappa, got up a ball in great
+style. These females are passionately fond of dancing, and in the wild
+grace and spirit of their style excel everything that I have ever seen.
+The varied dances of the Marquesan girls are beautiful in the extreme, but
+there is an abandoned voluptuousness in their character which I dare not
+attempt to describe.
+
+Our ship was now wholly given up to every species of riot and debauchery.
+The grossest licentiousness and the most shameful inebriety prevailed,
+with occasional and but short-lived interruptions, through the whole
+period of her stay. Alas for the poor savages when exposed to the
+influence of these polluting examples! Unsophisticated and confiding, they
+are easily led into every vice, and humanity weeps over the ruin thus
+remorselessly inflicted upon them by their European civilizers. Thrice
+happy are they who, inhabiting some yet undiscovered island in the midst
+of the ocean, have never been brought into contaminating contact with the
+white man.
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER III
+
+
+    State of affairs aboard the ship--Contents of her larder--Length of
+    South Seamen's voyages--Account of a flying whale-man--Determination
+           to leave the vessel--The bay of Nukuheva--The Typees.
+
+
+It was in the summer of 1842, that we arrived at the islands. Our ship had
+not been many days in the harbour of Nukuheva, before I came to the
+determination of leaving her. That my reasons for resolving to take this
+step were numerous and weighty, may be inferred from the fact that I chose
+rather to risk my fortunes among the savages of the island than to endure
+another voyage on board the _Dolly_. To use the concise, point-blank
+phrase of the sailors, I had made up my mind to "run away." Now, as a
+meaning is generally attached to these two words no way flattering to the
+individual to whom they are applied, it behoves me, for the sake of my own
+character, to offer some explanation of my conduct.
+
+When I entered on board the _Dolly_, I signed, as a matter of course, the
+ship's articles, thereby voluntarily engaging and legally binding myself
+to serve in a certain capacity for the period of the voyage; and, special
+considerations apart, I was of course bound to fulfil the agreement. But
+in all contracts, if one party fail to perform his share of the compact,
+is not the other virtually absolved from his liability? Who is there who
+will not answer in the affirmative?
+
+Having settled the principle, then, let me apply it to the particular case
+in question. In numberless instances had not only the implied but the
+specified conditions of the articles been violated on the part of the ship
+in which I served. The usage on board of her was tyrannical; the sick had
+been inhumanly neglected; the provisions had been doled out in scanty
+allowance; and her cruises were unreasonably protracted. The captain was
+the author of these abuses; it was in vain to think that he would either
+remedy them, or alter his conduct, which was arbitrary and violent in the
+extreme. His prompt reply to all complaints and remonstrances was--the
+butt-end of a hand-spike, so convincingly administered as effectually to
+silence the aggrieved party.
+
+To whom could we apply for redress? We had left both law and equity on the
+other side of the Cape; and unfortunately, with a very few exceptions, our
+crew was composed of a parcel of dastardly and mean-spirited wretches,
+divided among themselves, and only united in enduring without resistance
+the unmitigated tyranny of the captain. It would have been mere madness
+for any two or three of the number, unassisted by the rest, to attempt
+making a stand against his ill usage. They would only have called down
+upon themselves the particular vengeance of this "Lord of the Plank," and
+subjected their shipmates to additional hardships.
+
+But, after all, these things could have been endured awhile, had we
+entertained the hope of being speedily delivered from them by the due
+completion of the terms of our servitude. But what a dismal prospect
+awaited us in this quarter! The longevity of Cape Horn whaling voyages is
+proverbial, frequently extending over a period of four or five years.
+
+Some long-haired, bare-necked youths, who, forced by the united influences
+of a roving spirit and hard times, embark at Nantucket for a pleasure
+excursion to the Pacific, and whose anxious mothers provide them with
+bottled milk for the occasion, oftentimes return very respectable
+middle-aged gentlemen.
+
+The very preparations made for one of these expeditions are enough to
+frighten one. As the vessel carries out no cargo, her hold is filled with
+provisions for her own consumption. The owners, who officiate as caterers
+for the voyage, supply the larder with an abundance of dainties. Delicate
+morsels of beef and pork, cut on scientific principles from every part of
+the animal, and of all conceivable shapes and sizes, are carefully packed
+in salt, and stored away in barrels; affording a never-ending variety in
+their different degrees of toughness, and in the peculiarities of their
+saline properties. Choice old water too, decanted into stout six-barrel
+casks, and two pints of which is allowed every day to each soul on board;
+together with ample store of sea-bread, previously reduced to a state of
+petrifaction, with a view to preserve it either from decay or consumption
+in the ordinary mode, are likewise provided for the nourishment and
+gastronomic enjoyment of the crew.
+
+But not to speak of the quality of these articles of sailors' fare, the
+abundance in which they are put on board a whaling vessel is almost
+incredible. Oftentimes, when we had occasion to break out in the hold, and
+I beheld the successive tiers of casks and barrels, whose contents were
+all destined to be consumed in due course by the ship's company, my heart
+has sunk within me.
+
+Although, as a general case, a ship unlucky in falling in with whales
+continues to cruise after them until she has barely sufficient provisions
+remaining to take her home, turning round then quietly and making the best
+of her way to her friends, yet there are instances when even this natural
+obstacle to the further prosecution of the voyage is overcome by
+headstrong captains, who, bartering the fruits of their hard-earned toils
+for a new supply of provisions in some of the ports of Chili or Peru,
+begin the voyage afresh with unabated zeal and perseverance. It is in vain
+that the owners write urgent letters to him to sail for home, and for
+their sake to bring back the ship, since it appears he can put nothing in
+her. Not he. He has registered a vow: he will fill his vessel with good
+sperm oil, or failing to do so, never again strike Yankee soundings.
+
+I heard of one whaler, which after many years' absence was given up for
+lost. The last that had been heard of her was a shadowy report of her
+having touched at some of those unstable islands in the far Pacific, whose
+eccentric wanderings are carefully noted in each new edition of the South
+Sea charts. After a long interval, however, the _Perseverance_--for that
+was her name--was spoken somewhere in the vicinity of the ends of the
+earth, cruising along as leisurely as ever, her sails all bepatched and
+bequilted with rope-yarns, her spars fished with old pipe staves, and her
+rigging knotted and spliced in every possible direction. Her crew was
+composed of some twenty venerable Greenwich-pensioner-looking old salts,
+who just managed to hobble about deck. The ends of all the running ropes,
+with the exception of the signal halyards and poop-down-haul, were rove
+through snatch-blocks, and led to the capstan or windlass, so that not a
+yard was braced or a sail set without the assistance of machinery.
+
+Her hull was encrusted with barnacles, which completely encased her. Three
+pet sharks followed in her wake, and every day came alongside to regale
+themselves from the contents of the cook's bucket, which were pitched over
+to them. A vast shoal of bonetas and albicores always kept her company.
+
+Such was the account I heard of this vessel, and the remembrance of it
+always haunted me; what eventually became of her I never learned; at any
+rate she never reached home, and I suppose she is still regularly tacking
+twice in the twenty-four hours somewhere off Buggerry Island, or the
+Devil's-Tail Peak.
+
+Having said thus much touching the usual length of these voyages, when I
+inform the reader that ours had as it were just commenced, we being only
+fifteen months out, and even at that time hailed as a late arrival, and
+boarded for news, he will readily perceive that there was little to
+encourage one in looking forward to the future, especially as I had always
+had a presentiment that we should make an unfortunate voyage, and our
+experience so far had justified the expectation.
+
+I may here state, and on my faith as an honest man, that some time after
+arriving home from my adventures, I learned that this vessel was still in
+the Pacific, and that she had met with very poor success in the fishery.
+Very many of her crew, also, left her; and her voyage lasted about five
+years.
+
+But to return to my narrative. Placed in these circumstances, then, with
+no prospect of matters mending if I remained aboard the _Dolly_, I at once
+made up my mind to leave her: to be sure, it was rather an inglorious
+thing to steal away privately from those at whose hands I had received
+wrongs and outrages that I could not resent; but how was such a course to
+be avoided when it was the only alternative left me? Having made up my
+mind, I proceeded to acquire all the information I could obtain relating
+to the island and its inhabitants, with a view of shaping my plans of
+escape accordingly. The result of these inquiries I will now state, in
+order that the ensuing narrative may be the better understood.
+
+The bay of Nukuheva, in which we were then lying, is an expanse of water
+not unlike in figure the space included within the limits of a horse-shoe.
+It is, perhaps, nine miles in circumference. You approach it from the sea
+by a narrow entrance, flanked on either side by two small twin islets
+which soar conically to the height of some five hundred feet. From these
+the shore recedes on both hands, and describes a deep semicircle.
+
+From the verge of the water the land rises uniformly on all sides, with
+green and sloping acclivities, until from gently rolling hillsides and
+moderate elevations it insensibly swells into lofty and majestic heights,
+whose blue outlines, ranged all around, close in the view. The beautiful
+aspect of the shore is heightened by deep and romantic glens, which come
+down to it at almost equal distances, all apparently radiating from a
+common centre, and the upper extremities of which are lost to the eye
+beneath the shadow of the mountains. Down each of these little valleys
+flows a clear stream, here and there assuming the form of a slender
+cascade, then stealing invisibly along until it bursts upon the sight
+again in larger and more noisy waterfalls, and at last demurely wanders
+along to the sea.
+
+The houses of the natives, constructed of the yellow bamboo, tastefully
+twisted together in a kind of wickerwork, and thatched with the long
+tapering leaves of the palmetto, are scattered irregularly along these
+valleys beneath the shady branches of the cocoa-nut trees.
+
+Nothing can exceed the imposing scenery of this bay. Viewed from our ship
+as she lay at anchor in the middle of the harbour, it presented the
+appearance of a vast natural amphitheatre in decay, and overgrown with
+vines, the deep glens that furrowed its sides appearing like enormous
+fissures caused by the ravages of time. Very often when lost in admiration
+at its beauty, I have experienced a pang of regret that a scene so
+enchanting should be hidden from the world in these remote seas, and
+seldom meet the eyes of devoted lovers of nature.
+
+Besides this bay the shores of the island are indented by several other
+extensive inlets, into which descend broad and verdant valleys. These are
+inhabited by as many distinct tribes of savages, who, although speaking
+kindred dialects of a common language, and having the same religion and
+laws, have from time immemorial waged hereditary warfare against each
+other. The intervening mountains, generally two or three thousand feet
+above the level of the sea, geographically define the territories of each
+of these hostile tribes, who never cross them, save on some expedition of
+war or plunder. Immediately adjacent to Nukuheva, and only separated from
+it by the mountains seen from the harbour, lies the lovely valley of
+Happar, whose inmates cherish the most friendly relations with the
+inhabitants of Nukuheva. On the other side of Happar, and closely
+adjoining it, is the magnificent valley of the dreaded Typees, the
+unappeasable enemies of both these tribes.
+
+These celebrated warriors appear to inspire the other islanders with
+unspeakable terrors. Their very name is a frightful one; for the word
+"Typee" in the Marquesan dialect signifies a lover of human flesh. It is
+rather singular that the title should have been bestowed upon them
+exclusively, inasmuch as the natives of all this group are irreclaimable
+cannibals. The name may, perhaps, have been given to denote the peculiar
+ferocity of this clan, and to convey a special stigma along with it.
+
+These same Typees enjoy a prodigious notoriety all over the islands. The
+natives of Nukuheva would frequently recount in pantomime to our ship's
+company their terrible feats, and would show the marks of wounds they had
+received in desperate encounters with them. When ashore they would, try to
+frighten us by pointing to one of their own number, and calling him a
+Typee, manifesting no little surprise that we did not take to our heels at
+so terrible an announcement. It was quite amusing, too, to see with what
+earnestness they disclaimed all cannibal propensities on their own part,
+while they denounced their enemies--the Typees--as inveterate gormandizers
+of human flesh; but this is a peculiarity to which I shall hereafter have
+occasion to allude.
+
+Although I was convinced that the inhabitants of our bay were as arrant
+cannibals as any of the other tribes on the island, still I could not but
+feel a particular and most unqualified repugnance to the aforesaid Typees.
+Even before visiting the Marquesas, I had heard from men who had touched
+at the group on former voyages some revolting stories in connection with
+these savages; and fresh in my remembrance was the adventure of the master
+of the _Katherine_, who only a few months previous, imprudently venturing
+into this bay in an armed boat for the purpose of barter, was seized by
+the natives, carried back a little distance into their valley, and was
+only saved from a cruel death by the intervention of a young girl, who
+facilitated his escape by night along the beach to Nukuheva.
+
+I had heard, too, of an English vessel that many years ago, after a weary
+cruise, sought to enter the bay of Nukuheva, and arriving within two or
+three miles of the land, was met by a large canoe filled with natives, who
+offered to lead the way to the place of their destination. The captain,
+unacquainted with the localities of the island, joyfully acceded to the
+proposition--the canoe paddled on and the ship followed. She was soon
+conducted to a beautiful inlet, and dropped her anchor in its waters
+beneath the shadows of the lofty shore. That same night the perfidious
+Typees, who had thus inveigled her into their fatal bay, flocked aboard
+the doomed vessel by hundreds, and at a given signal murdered every soul
+on board.
+
+
+
+
+
+                                CHAPTER IV
+
+
+     Thoughts previous to attempting an escape--Toby, a fellow-sailor,
+        agrees to share the adventure--Last night aboard the ship.
+
+
+Having fully resolved to leave the vessel clandestinely, and having
+acquired all the knowledge concerning the bay that I could obtain under
+the circumstances in which I was placed, I now deliberately turned over in
+my mind every plan of escape that suggested itself, being determined to
+act with all possible prudence in an attempt where failure would be
+attended with so many disagreeable consequences. The idea of being taken
+and brought back ignominiously to the ship was so inexpressibly repulsive
+to me, that I was determined by no hasty and imprudent measures to render
+such an event probable.
+
+I knew that our worthy captain, who felt such a paternal solicitude for
+the welfare of his crew, would not willingly consent that one of his best
+hands should encounter the perils of a sojourn among the natives of a
+barbarous island; and I was certain that in the event of my disappearance
+his fatherly anxiety would prompt him to offer, by way of a reward, yard
+upon yard of gaily printed calico for my apprehension. He might even have
+appreciated my services at the value of a musket, in which case I felt
+perfectly certain that the whole population of the bay would be
+immediately upon my track, incited by the prospect of so magnificent a
+bounty.
+
+Having ascertained the fact before alluded to, that the islanders, from
+motives of precaution, dwelt together in the depths of the valleys, and
+avoided wandering about the more elevated portions of the shore, unless
+bound on some expedition of war or plunder, I concluded that if I could
+effect unperceived a passage to the mountains, I might easily remain among
+them, supporting myself by such fruits as came in my way until the sailing
+of the ship, an event of which I could not fail to be immediately
+apprized, as from my lofty position I should command a view of the entire
+harbour.
+
+The idea pleased me greatly. It seemed to combine a great deal of
+practicability with no inconsiderable enjoyment in a quiet way; for how
+delightful it would be to look down upon the detested old vessel from the
+height of some thousand feet, and contrast the verdant scenery about me
+with the recollection of her narrow decks and gloomy forecastle! Why, it
+was really refreshing even to think of it; and so I straightway fell to
+picturing myself seated beneath a cocoa-nut tree on the brow of the
+mountain, with a cluster of plantains within easy reach, criticizing her
+nautical evolutions as she was working her way out of the harbour.
+
+To be sure there was one rather unpleasant drawback to these agreeable
+anticipations--the possibility of falling in with a foraging party of these
+same bloody-minded Typees, whose appetites, edged perhaps by the air of so
+elevated a region, might prompt them to devour one. This, I must confess,
+was the most disagreeable view of the matter.
+
+Just to think of a party of these unnatural gourmands taking it into their
+heads to make a convivial meal of a poor devil, who would have no means of
+escape or defence: however, there was no help for it. I was willing to
+encounter some risks in order to accomplish my object, and counted much
+upon my ability to elude these prowling cannibals amongst the many coverts
+which the mountains afforded. Besides, the chances were ten to one in my
+favour that they would none of them quit their own fastnesses.
+
+I had determined not to communicate my design of withdrawing from the
+vessel to any of my shipmates, and least of all to solicit any one to
+accompany me in my flight. But it so happened one night, that being upon
+deck, revolving over in my mind various plans of escape, I perceived one
+of the ship's company leaning over the bulwarks, apparently plunged in a
+profound reverie. He was a young fellow about my own age, for whom I had
+all along entertained a great regard; and Toby, such was the name by which
+he went among us, for his real name he would never tell us, was every way
+worthy of it. He was active, ready, and obliging, of dauntless courage,
+and singularly open and fearless in the expression of his feelings. I had
+on more than one occasion got him out of scrapes into which this had led
+him; and I know not whether it was from this cause, or a certain
+congeniality of sentiment between us, that he had always shown a
+partiality for my society. We had battled out many a long watch together,
+beguiling the weary hours with chat, song, and story, mingled with a good
+many imprecations upon the hard destiny it seemed our common fortune to
+encounter.
+
+  [Illustration: I FOUND HIM RIPE FOR THE ENTERPRISE, AND A VERY FEW
+  WORDS SUFFICED FOR A MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN US]
+
+Toby, like myself, had evidently moved in a different sphere of life, and
+his conversation at times betrayed this, although he was anxious to
+conceal it. He was one of that class of rovers you sometimes meet at sea,
+who never reveal their origin, never allude to home, and go rambling over
+the world as if pursued by some mysterious fate they cannot possibly
+elude.
+
+There was much even in the appearance of Toby calculated to draw me
+towards him, for while the greater part of the crew were as coarse in
+person as in mind, Toby was endowed with a remarkably prepossessing
+exterior. Arrayed in his blue frock and duck trousers, he was as smart a
+looking sailor as ever stepped upon a deck; he was singularly small and
+slightly made, with great flexibility of limb. His naturally dark
+complexion had been deepened by exposure to the tropical sun, and a mass
+of jetty locks clustered about his temples, and threw a darker shade into
+his large black eyes. He was a strange wayward being, moody, fitful, and
+melancholy--at times almost morose. He had a quick and fiery temper too,
+which, when thoroughly roused, transported him into a state bordering on
+delirium.
+
+It is strange the power that a mind of deep passion has over feebler
+natures. I have seen a brawny fellow, with no lack of ordinary courage,
+fairly quail before this slender stripling, when in one of his furious
+fits. But these paroxysms seldom occurred, and in them my big-hearted
+shipmate vented the bile which more calm-tempered individuals get rid of
+by a continual pettishness at trivial annoyances.
+
+No one ever saw Toby laugh--I mean in the hearty abandonment of
+broad-mouthed mirth. He did smile sometimes, it is true; and there was a
+good deal of dry, sarcastic humour about him, which told the more from the
+imperturbable gravity of his tone and manner.
+
+Latterly I had observed that Toby's melancholy had greatly increased, and
+I had frequently seen him since our arrival at the island gazing wistfully
+upon the shore, when the remainder of the crew would be rioting below. I
+was aware that he entertained a cordial detestation of the ship, and
+believed that should a fair chance of escape present itself, he would
+embrace it willingly. But the attempt was so perilous in the place where
+we then lay, that I supposed myself the only individual on board the ship
+who was sufficiently reckless to think of it. In this, however, I was
+mistaken.
+
+When I perceived Toby leaning, as I have mentioned, against the bulwarks
+and buried in thought, it struck me at once that the subject of his
+meditations might be the same as my own. And if it be so, thought I, is he
+not the very one of all my shipmates whom I would choose for the partner
+of my adventure? and why should I not have some comrade with me to divide
+its dangers and alleviate its hardships? Perhaps I might be obliged to lie
+concealed among the mountains for weeks. In such an event what a solace
+would a companion be?
+
+These thoughts passed rapidly through my mind, and I wondered why I had
+not before considered the matter in this light. But it was not too late. A
+tap upon the shoulder served to rouse Toby from his reverie; I found him
+ripe for the enterprise, and a very few words sufficed for a mutual
+understanding between us. In an hour's time we had arranged all the
+preliminaries, and decided upon our plan of action. We then ratified our
+engagement with an affectionate wedding of palms, and to elude suspicion
+repaired each to his hammock, to spend the last night on board the
+_Dolly_.
+
+The next day the starboard watch, to which we both belonged, was to be
+sent ashore on liberty; and, availing ourselves of this opportunity we
+determined, as soon after landing as possible, to separate ourselves from
+the rest of the men without exciting their suspicions, and strike back at
+once for the mountains. Seen from the ship, the summits appeared
+inaccessible, but here and there sloping spurs extended from them almost
+into the sea, buttressing the lofty elevations with which they were
+connected, and forming those radiating valleys I have before described.
+One of these ridges, which appeared more practicable than the rest, we
+determined to climb, convinced that it would conduct us to the heights
+beyond. Accordingly, we carefully observed its bearings and locality from
+the ship, so that when ashore we should run no chance of missing it.
+
+In all this the leading object we had in view was to seclude ourselves
+from sight until the departure of the vessel; then to take our chance as
+to the reception the Nukuheva natives might give us; and after remaining
+upon the island as long as we found our stay agreeable, to leave it the
+first favourable opportunity that offered.
+
+
+
+
+
+                                CHAPTER V
+
+
+       A specimen of nautical oratory--Criticisms of the sailors--The
+     starboard watch are given a holiday--The escape to the mountains.
+
+
+Early the next morning the starboard watch were mustered upon the
+quarter-deck, and our worthy captain, standing in the cabin gangway,
+harangued us as follows:--
+
+"Now, men, as we are just off a six month's cruise, and have got through
+most all our work in port here, I suppose you want to go ashore. Well, I
+mean to give your watch liberty to-day, so you may get ready as soon as
+you please, and go; but understand this, I am going to give you liberty
+because I suppose you would growl like so many old quarter gunners if I
+didn't; at the same time, if you'll take my advice, every mother's son of
+you will stay aboard, and keep out of the way of the bloody cannibals
+altogether. Ten to one, men, if you go ashore, you will get into some
+infernal row, and that will be the end of you; for if these tattooed
+scoundrels get you a little ways back into their valleys, they'll nab
+you--that you may be certain of. Plenty of white men have gone ashore here
+and never been seen any more. There was the old _Dido_, she put in here
+about two years ago, and sent one watch off on liberty; they never were
+heard of again for a week--the natives swore they didn't know where they
+were--and only three of them ever got back to the ship again, and one with
+his face damaged for life, for the cursed heathens tattooed a broad patch
+clean across his figure head. But it will be no use talking to you, for go
+you will, that I see plainly; so all I have to say is, that you need not
+blame me if the islanders make a meal of you. You may stand some chance of
+escaping them though, if you keep close about the French encampment, and
+are back to the ship again before sunset. Keep that much in your mind, if
+you forget all the rest I've been saying to you. There, go forward: bear a
+hand and rig yourselves, and stand by for a call. At two bells the boat
+will be manned to take you off, and the Lord have mercy on you!"
+
+Various were the emotions depicted upon the countenances of the starboard
+watch whilst listening to this address; but on its conclusion there was a
+general move towards the forecastle, and we soon were all busily engaged
+in getting ready for the holiday so auspiciously announced by the skipper.
+During these preparations, his harangue was commented upon in no very
+measured terms; and one of the party, after denouncing him as a lying old
+son of a sea-cook who begrudged a fellow a few hours' liberty, exclaimed
+with an oath, "But you don't bounce me out of my liberty, old chap, for
+all your yarns; for I would go ashore if every pebble on the beach was a
+live coal, and every stick a gridiron, and the cannibals stood ready to
+broil me on landing."
+
+The spirit of this sentiment was responded to by all hands, and we
+resolved that in spite of the captain's croakings we would make a glorious
+day of it.
+
+But Toby and I had our own game to play, and we availed ourselves of the
+confusion which always reigns among a ship's company preparatory to going
+ashore, to confer together and complete our arrangements. As our object
+was to effect as rapid a flight as possible to the mountains, we
+determined not to encumber ourselves with any superfluous apparel; and
+accordingly, while the rest were rigging themselves out with some idea of
+making a display, we were content to put on new stout duck trousers,
+serviceable pumps, and heavy Havre frocks, which, with a Payta hat,
+completed our equipment.
+
+When our shipmates wondered at this, Toby exclaimed, in his odd grave way,
+that the rest might do as they liked, but that he for one preserved his
+go-ashore traps for the Spanish main, where the tie of a sailor's
+neckerchief might make some difference; but as for a parcel of unbreeched
+heathen, he wouldn't go to the bottom of his chest for any of them, and
+was half disposed to appear among them in buff himself. The men laughed at
+what they thought was one of his strange conceits, and so we escaped
+suspicion.
+
+It may appear singular that we should have been thus on our guard with our
+own shipmates; but there were some among us who, had they possessed the
+least inkling of our project, would, for a paltry hope of reward, have
+immediately communicated it to the captain.
+
+As soon as two bells struck, the word was passed for the liberty-men to
+get into the boat. I lingered behind in the forecastle a moment, to take a
+parting glance at its familiar features, and just as I was about to ascend
+to the deck, my eye happened to light on the bread-barge and beef-kid,
+which contained the remnants of our last hasty meal. Although I had never
+before thought of providing anything in the way of food for our
+expedition, as I fully relied upon the fruits of the island to sustain us
+wherever we might wander, yet I could not resist the inclination I felt to
+provide a luncheon from the relics before me. Accordingly I took a double
+handful of those small, broken, flinty bits of biscuit which generally go
+by the name of "midshipmen's nuts," and thrust them into the bosom of my
+frock; in which same ample receptacle I had previously stowed away several
+pounds of tobacco and a few yards of cotton cloth,--articles with which I
+intended to purchase the good-will of the natives, as soon as we should
+appear among them after the departure of our vessel.
+
+This last addition to my stock caused a considerable protuberance in
+front, which I abated in a measure by shaking the bits of bread around my
+waist, and distributing the plugs of tobacco among the folds of the
+garment.
+
+Hardly had I completed these arrangements when my name was sung out by a
+dozen voices, and I sprung upon the deck, where I found all the party in
+the boat, and impatient to shove off. I dropped over the side, and seated
+myself, with the rest of the watch, in the stern sheets, while the poor
+larboarders shipped their oars, and commenced pulling us ashore.
+
+This happened to be the rainy season at the islands, and the heavens had
+nearly the whole morning betokened one of those heavy showers which,
+during this period, so frequently occur. The large drops fell bubbling
+into the water shortly after our leaving the ship, and by the time we had
+effected a landing, it poured down in torrents. We fled for shelter under
+cover of an immense canoe-house, which stood hard by the beach, and waited
+for the first fury of the storm to pass.
+
+It continued, however, without cessation; and the monotonous beating of
+the rain overhead began to exert a drowsy influence upon the men, who,
+throwing themselves here and there upon the large war-canoes, after
+chatting awhile, all fell asleep.
+
+This was the opportunity we desired, and Toby and I availed ourselves of
+it at once, by stealing out of the canoe-house, and plunging into the
+depths of an extensive grove that was in its rear. After ten minutes'
+rapid progress, we gained an open space, from which we could just descry
+the ridge we intended to mount looming dimly through the mists of the
+tropical shower, and distant from us, as we estimated, something more than
+a mile. Our direct course towards it lay through a rather populous part of
+the bay; but desirous as we were of evading the natives and securing an
+unmolested retreat to the mountains, we determined, by taking a circuit
+through some extensive thickets, to avoid their vicinity altogether.
+
+The heavy rain that still continued to fall without intermission, favoured
+our enterprise, as it drove the islanders into their houses, and prevented
+any casual meeting with them. Our heavy frocks soon became completely
+saturated with water, and by their weight, and that of the articles we had
+concealed beneath them, not a little impeded our progress. But it was no
+time to pause, when at any moment we might be surprised by a body of the
+savages, and forced at the very outset to relinquish our undertaking.
+
+Since leaving the canoe-house we had scarcely exchanged a single syllable
+with one another, but when we entered a second narrow opening in the wood,
+and again caught sight of the ridge before us, I took Toby by the arm, and
+pointing along its sloping outline to the lofty heights at its extremity,
+said, in a low tone, "Now, Toby, not a word, nor a glance backward, till
+we stand on the summit of yonder mountain; so no more lingering, but let
+us shove ahead while we can, and in a few hours' time we may laugh aloud.
+You are the lightest and the nimblest, so lead on, and I will follow."
+
+"All right, brother," said Toby, "quick's our play, only let's keep close
+together, that's all"; and so saying, with a bound like a young roe, he
+cleared a brook which ran across our path, and rushed forward with a quick
+step.
+
+When we arrived within a short distance of the ridge, we were stopped by a
+mass of tall yellow reeds, growing together as thickly as they could
+stand, and as tough and stubborn as so many rods of steel; and we
+perceived, to our chagrin, that they extended midway up the elevation we
+proposed to ascend.
+
+For a moment we gazed about us in quest of a more practicable route; it
+was, however, at once apparent that there was no resource but to pierce
+this thicket of canes at all hazards. We now reversed our order of march,
+I, being the heaviest, taking the lead, with a view of breaking a path
+through the obstruction, while Toby fell into the rear.
+
+Two or three times I endeavoured to insinuate myself between the canes,
+and, by dint of coaxing and bending them, to make some progress; but a
+bull-frog might as well have tried to work a passage through the teeth of
+a comb, and I gave up the attempt in despair.
+
+Half wild with meeting an obstacle we had so little anticipated, I threw
+myself desperately against it, crushing to the ground the canes with which
+I came in contact, and rising to my feet again, repeated the action with
+like effect. Twenty minutes of this violent exercise almost exhausted me,
+but it carried us some way into the thicket; when Toby, who had been
+reaping the benefit of my labours by following close at my heels, proposed
+to become pioneer in turn, and accordingly passed ahead with a view of
+affording me a respite from my exertions. As, however, with his slight
+frame he made but bad work of it, I was soon obliged to resume my old
+place again.
+
+On we toiled, the perspiration starting from our bodies in floods, our
+limbs torn and lacerated with the splintered fragments of the broken
+canes, until we had proceeded perhaps as far as the middle of the brake,
+when suddenly it ceased raining, and the atmosphere around us became close
+and sultry beyond expression. The elasticity of the reeds quickly
+recovering from the temporary pressure of our bodies, caused them to
+spring back to their original position, so that they closed in upon us as
+we advanced, and prevented the circulation of the little air which might
+otherwise have reached us. Besides this, their great height completely
+shut us out from the view of surrounding objects, and we were not certain
+but that we might have been going all the time in a wrong direction.
+
+Fatigued with my long-continued efforts, and panting for breath, I felt
+myself completely incapacitated for any further exertion. I rolled up the
+sleeve of my frock, and squeezed the moisture it contained into my parched
+mouth. But the few drops I managed to obtain gave me little relief, and I
+sank down for a moment with a sort of dogged apathy, from which I was
+aroused by Toby, who had devised a plan to free us from the net in which
+we had become entangled.
+
+He was laying about him lustily with his sheath-knife, lopping the canes
+right and left, like a reaper, and soon made quite a clearing around us.
+This sight reanimated me; and seizing my own knife, I hacked and hewed
+away without mercy. But, alas! the farther we advanced the thicker and
+taller, and apparently the more interminable, the reeds became.
+
+I began to think we were fairly snared, and had almost made up my mind
+that without a pair of wings we should never be able to escape from the
+toils, when all at once I discerned a peep of daylight through the canes
+on my right, and, communicating the joyful tidings to Toby, we both fell
+to with fresh spirit, and speedily opening a passage towards it, we found
+ourselves clear of perplexities, and in the near vicinity of the ridge.
+
+After resting for a few moments we began the ascent, and after a little
+vigorous climbing found ourselves close to its summit. Instead, however,
+of walking along its ridge, where we should have been in full view of the
+natives in the vales beneath, and at a point where they could easily
+intercept us, were they so inclined, we cautiously advanced on one side,
+crawling on our hands and knees, and screened from observation by the
+grass through which we glided, much in the fashion of a couple of
+serpents. After an hour employed in this unpleasant kind of locomotion, we
+started to our feet again, and pursued our way boldly along the crest of
+the ridge.
+
+This salient spur of the lofty elevations that encompassed the bay, rose
+with sharp angle from the valleys at its base, and presented, with the
+exception of a few steep acclivities, the appearance of a vast inclined
+plane, sweeping down towards the sea from the heights in the distance. We
+had ascended it near the place of its termination, and at its lowest
+point, and now saw our route to the mountains distinctly defined along its
+narrow crest, which was covered with a soft carpet of verdure, and was in
+many parts only a few feet wide.
+
+Elated with the success which had so far attended our enterprise, and
+invigorated by the refreshing atmosphere we now inhaled, Toby and I, in
+high spirits, were making our way rapidly along the ridge when suddenly
+from the valleys below, which lay on either side of us, we heard the
+distant shouts of the natives, who had just descried us, and to whom our
+figures, brought in bold relief against the sky, were plainly revealed.
+
+Glancing our eyes into these valleys, we perceived their savage
+inhabitants hurrying to and fro, seemingly under the influence of some
+sudden alarm, and appearing to the eye scarcely bigger than so many
+pigmies, while their white thatched dwellings, dwarfed by the distance,
+looked like baby-houses. As we looked down upon the islanders from our
+lofty elevation, we experienced a sense of security; feeling confident
+that, should they undertake a pursuit, it would, from the start we now
+had, proved entirely fruitless, unless they followed us into the
+mountains, where we knew they cared not to venture.
+
+However, we thought it was well to make the most of our time; and
+accordingly, where the ground would admit of it, we ran swiftly along the
+summit of the ridge, until we were brought to a stand by a steep cliff,
+which at first seemed to interpose an effectual barrier to our farther
+advance. By dint of much hard scrambling, however, and at some risk to our
+necks, we at last surmounted it, and continued our flight with unabated
+celerity.
+
+We had left the beach early in the morning, and after an uninterrupted,
+though at times difficult and dangerous ascent, during which we had never
+once turned our faces to the sea, we found ourselves, about three hours
+before sunset, standing on the top of what seemed to be the highest land
+on the island, an immense overhanging cliff composed of basaltic rocks,
+hung round with parasitical plants. We must have been more than three
+thousand feet above the level of the sea, and the scenery viewed from this
+height was magnificent.
+
+The lonely bay of Nukuheva, dotted here and there with the black hulls of
+the vessels composing the French squadron, lay reposing at the base of a
+circular range of elevations, whose verdant sides, perforated with deep
+glens, or diversified with smiling valleys, formed altogether the
+loveliest view I ever beheld, and were I to live a hundred years, I shall
+never forget the feeling of admiration which I then experienced.
+
+
+
+
+
+                                CHAPTER VI
+
+
+        The other side of the mountain--Disappointment--Inventory of
+         articles brought from the ship--Division of the stock of
+       bread--Appearance of the interior of the island--A discovery--A
+      ravine and waterfalls--A sleepless night--Further discoveries--My
+                      illness--A Marquesan landscape.
+
+
+My curiosity had been not a little raised with regard to the description
+of country we should meet on the other side of the mountains; and I had
+supposed, with Toby, that immediately on gaining the heights we should be
+enabled to view the large bays of Happar and Typee reposing at our feet on
+one side, in the same way that Nukuheva lay spread out below on the other.
+But here we were disappointed. Instead of finding the mountain we had
+ascended sweeping down in the opposite direction into broad and capacious
+valleys, the land appeared to retain its general elevation, only broken
+into a series of ridges and inter-vales, which as far as the eye could
+reach stretched away from us, with their precipitous sides covered with
+the brightest verdure, and waving here and there with the foliage of
+clumps of woodland; among which, however, we perceived none of those trees
+upon whose fruit we had relied with such certainty.
+
+This was a most unlooked-for discovery, and one that promised to defeat
+our plans altogether, for we could not think of descending the mountain on
+the Nukuheva side in quest of food. Should we for this purpose be induced
+to retrace our steps, we should run no small chance of encountering the
+natives, who in that case, if they did nothing worse to us, would be
+certain to convey us back to the ship for the sake of the reward in calico
+and trinkets, which we had no doubt our skipper would hold out to them as
+an inducement to our capture.
+
+What was to be done? The _Dolly_ would not sail perhaps for ten days, and
+how were we to sustain life during this period? I bitterly repented our
+improvidence in not providing ourselves, as we easily might have done,
+with a supply of biscuit. With a rueful visage I now bethought me of the
+scanty handful of bread I had stuffed into the bosom of my frock, and felt
+somewhat desirous to ascertain what part of it had weathered the rather
+rough usage it had experienced in ascending the mountain. I accordingly
+proposed to Toby that we should enter into a joint examination of the
+various articles we had brought from the ship. With this intent we seated
+ourselves upon the grass; and a little curious to see with what kind of
+judgment my companion had filled his frock--which I remarked seemed about
+as well lined as my own--I requested him to commence operations by
+spreading out its contents.
+
+Thrusting his hand, then, into the bosom of his capacious receptacle, he
+first brought to light about a pound of tobacco, whose component parts
+still adhered together, the whole outside being covered with soft
+particles of sea-bread. Wet and dripping, it had the appearance of having
+been just recovered from the bottom of the sea. But I paid slight
+attention to a substance of so little value to us in our present
+situation, as soon as I perceived the indications it gave of Toby's
+foresight in laying in a supply of food for the expedition.
+
+I eagerly inquired what quantity he had brought with him, when rummaging
+once more beneath his garment, he produced a small handful of something so
+soft, pulpy, and discoloured, that for a few moments he was as much
+puzzled as myself to tell by what possible instrumentality such a
+villanous compound had become engendered in his bosom. I can only describe
+it as a hash of soaked bread and bits of tobacco, brought to a doughy
+consistency by the united agency of perspiration and rain. But repulsive
+as it might otherwise have been, I now regarded it as an invaluable
+treasure, and proceeded with great care to transfer this paste-like mass
+to a large leaf which I had plucked from a bush beside me. Toby informed
+me that in the morning he had placed two whole biscuits in his bosom, with
+a view of munching them, should he feel so inclined, during our flight.
+These were now reduced to the equivocal substance which I had just placed
+on the leaf.
+
+Another dive into the frock brought to view some four or five yards of
+calico print, whose tasteful pattern was rather disfigured by the yellow
+stains of the tobacco with which it had been brought in contact. In
+drawing this calico slowly from his bosom inch by inch, Toby reminded me
+of a juggler performing the feat of the endless ribbon. The next cast was
+a small one, being a sailor's little "ditty bag," containing needles,
+thread, and other sewing utensils; then came a razor-case, followed by two
+or three separate plugs of negro-head, which were fished up from the
+bottom of the now empty receptacle. These various matters being inspected,
+I produced a few things which I had myself brought.
+
+As might have been anticipated from the state of my companion's edible
+supplies, I found my own in a deplorable condition, and diminished to a
+quantity that would not have formed half a dozen mouthfuls for a hungry
+man who was partial enough to tobacco not to mind swallowing it. A few
+morsels of bread, with a fathom or two of white cotton cloth, and several
+pounds of choice pigtail, composed the extent of my possessions.
+
+Our joint stock of miscellaneous articles were now made up into a compact
+bundle, which it was agreed we should carry alternately. But the sorry
+remains of the biscuit were not to be disposed of so summarily: the
+precarious circumstances in which we were placed made us regard them as
+something on which very probably depended the fate of our adventure. After
+a brief discussion, in which we both of us expressed our resolution of not
+descending into the bay until the ship's departure, I suggested to my
+companion that little of it as there was, we should divide the bread into
+six equal portions, each of which should be a day's allowance for both of
+us. This proposition he assented to; so I took the silk kerchief from my
+neck, and cutting it with my knife into half a dozen equal pieces,
+proceeded to make an exact division.
+
+At first, Toby, with a degree of fastidiousness that seemed to me
+ill-timed, was for picking out the minute particles of tobacco with which
+the spongy mass was mixed; but against this proceeding I protested, as by
+such an operation we must have greatly diminished its quantity.
+
+When the division was accomplished, we found that a day's allowance for
+the two was not a great deal more than what a table-spoon might hold. Each
+separate portion we immediately rolled up in the bit of silk prepared for
+it, and joining them all together into a small package, I committed them,
+with solemn injunctions of fidelity, to the custody of Toby. For the
+remainder of that day we resolved to fast, as we had been fortified by a
+breakfast in the morning; and now starting again to our feet, we looked
+about us for a shelter during the night, which, from the appearance of the
+heavens, promised to be a dark and tempestuous one.
+
+There was no place near us which would in any way answer our purpose; so
+turning our backs upon Nukuheva, we commenced exploring the unknown
+regions which lay upon the other side of the mountain.
+
+In this direction, as far as our vision extended, not a sign of life, nor
+anything that denoted even the transient residence of man could be seen.
+The whole landscape seemed one unbroken solitude, the interior of the
+island having apparently been untenanted since the morning of the
+creation; and as we advanced through this wilderness, our voices sounded
+strangely in our ears, as though human accents had never before disturbed
+the fearful silence of the place, interrupted only by the low murmurings
+of distant waterfalls.
+
+Our disappointment, however, in not finding the various fruits with which
+we had intended to regale ourselves during our stay in these wilds, was a
+good deal lessened by the consideration that from this very circumstance
+we should be much less exposed to a casual meeting with the savage tribes
+about us, who we knew always dwelt beneath the shadows of those trees
+which supplied them with food.
+
+We wandered along, casting eager glances into every bush we passed, until
+just as we had succeeded in mounting one of the many ridges that
+intersected the ground, I saw in the grass before me something like an
+indistinctly traced footpath, which appeared to lead along the top of the
+ridge, and to descend with it into a deep ravine about half a mile in
+advance of us.
+
+Robinson Crusoe could not have been more startled at the footprint in the
+sand than we were at this unwelcome discovery. My first impulse was to
+make as rapid a retreat as possible, and bend our steps in some other
+direction; but our curiosity to see whither this path might lead, prompted
+us to pursue it. So on we went, the track becoming more and more visible
+the farther we proceeded, until it conducted us to the verge of the
+ravine, where it abruptly terminated.
+
+"And so," said Toby, peering down into the chasm, "every one that travels
+this path takes a jump here, eh?"
+
+"Not so," said I, "for I think they might manage to descend without it;
+what say you,--shall we attempt the feat?"
+
+"And what, in the name of caves and coal-holes, do you expect to find at
+the bottom of that gulf but a broken neck--why, it looks blacker than our
+ship's hold, and the roar of those waterfalls down there would batter
+one's brains to pieces."
+
+"Oh, no, Toby," I exclaimed, laughing; "but there's something to be seen
+here, that's plain, or there would have been no path, and I am resolved to
+find out what it is."
+
+"I will tell you what, my pleasant fellow," rejoined Toby, quickly, "if
+you are going to pry into everything you meet with here that excites your
+curiosity, you will marvellously soon get knocked on the head; to a dead
+certainty you will come bang upon a party of these savages in the midst of
+your discovery-makings, and I doubt whether such an event would
+particularly delight you. Just take my advice for once, and let us 'bout
+ship and steer in some other direction; besides, it's getting late, and we
+ought to be mooring ourselves for the night."
+
+"That is just the thing I have been driving at," replied I; "and I am
+thinking that this ravine will exactly answer our purpose, for it is
+roomy, secluded, well watered, and may shelter us from the weather."
+
+"Ay, and from sleep too, and by the same token will give us sore throats,
+and rheumatism into the bargain," cried Toby, with evident dislike at the
+idea.
+
+"Oh, very well then, my lad," said I, "since you will not accompany me,
+here I go, alone. You will see me in the morning"; and advancing to the
+edge of the cliff upon which we had been standing, I proceeded to lower
+myself down by the tangled roots which clustered about all the crevices of
+the rock. As I had anticipated, Toby, in spite of his previous
+remonstrances, followed my example, and dropping himself with the activity
+of a squirrel from point to point, he quickly outstripped me, and effected
+a landing at the bottom before I had accomplished two-thirds of the
+descent.
+
+The sight that now greeted us was one that will ever be vividly impressed
+upon my mind. Five foaming streams, rushing through as many gorges, and
+swelled and turbid by the recent rains, united together in one mad plunge
+of nearly eighty feet, and fell with wild uproar into a deep black pool
+scooped out of the gloomy-looking rocks that lay piled around, and thence
+in one collected body dashed down a narrow sloping channel which seemed to
+penetrate into the very bowels of the earth. Overhead, vast roots of trees
+hung down from the sides of the ravine, dripping with moisture, and
+trembling with the concussions produced by the fall. It was now sunset,
+and the feeble uncertain light that found its way into these caverns and
+woody depths heightened their strange appearance, and reminded us that in
+a short time we should find ourselves in utter darkness.
+
+As soon as I had satisfied my curiosity by gazing at this scene, I fell to
+wondering how it was that what we had taken for a path should have
+conducted us to so singular a place, and began to suspect that after all I
+might have been deceived in supposing it to have been a track formed by
+the islanders. This was rather an agreeable reflection than otherwise, for
+it diminished our dread of accidentally meeting with any of them, and I
+came to the conclusion that perhaps we could not have selected a more
+secure hiding-place than this very spot we had so accidentally hit upon.
+Toby agreed with me in this view of the matter, and we immediately began
+gathering together the limbs of trees which lay scattered about, with the
+view of constructing a temporary hut for the night. This we were obliged
+to build close to the foot of the cataract for the current of water
+extended very nearly to the sides of the gorge. The few moments of light
+that remained we employed in covering our hut with a species of
+broad-bladed grass that grew in every fissure of the ravine. Our hut, if
+it deserved to be called one, consisted of six or eight of the straightest
+branches we could find laid obliquely against the steep wall of rock, with
+their lowered ends within a foot of the stream. Into the space thus
+covered over we managed to crawl, and dispose our wearied bodies as best
+we could.
+
+Shall I ever forget that horrid night! As for poor Toby, I could scarcely
+get a word out of him. It would have been some consolation to have heard
+his voice, but he lay shivering the live-long night like a man afflicted
+with the palsy, with his knees drawn up to his head, while his back was
+supported against the dripping side of the rock. During this wretched
+night there seemed nothing wanting to complete the perfect misery of our
+condition. The rain descended in such torrents that our poor shelter
+proved a mere mockery. In vain did I try to elude the incessant streams
+that poured upon me; by protecting one part I only exposed another, and
+the water was continually finding some new opening through which to drench
+us.
+
+I have had many a ducking in the course of my life, and in general cared
+little about it: but the accumulated horrors of that night, the death-like
+coldness of the place, the appalling darkness and the dismal sense of our
+forlorn condition, almost unmanned me.
+
+It will not be doubted that the next morning we were early risers, and as
+soon as I could catch the faintest glimpse of anything like daylight I
+shook my companion by the arm, and told him it was sunrise. Poor Toby
+lifted up his head, and after a moment's pause said, in a husky voice,
+"Then, shipmate, my toplights have gone out, for it appears darker now
+with my eyes open than it did when they were shut."
+
+"Nonsense!" exclaimed I; "you are not awake yet."
+
+"Awake!" roared Toby, in a rage; "awake! You mean to insinuate I've been
+asleep, do you? It is an insult to a man to suppose he could sleep in such
+a place as this."
+
+By the time I had apologized to my friend for having misconstrued his
+silence, it had become somewhat more light, and we crawled out of our
+lair. The rain had ceased, but everything around us was dripping with
+moisture. We stripped off our saturated garments, and wrung them as dry as
+we could. We contrived to make the blood circulate in our benumbed limbs
+by rubbing them vigorously with our hands; and after performing our
+ablutions in the stream, and putting on our still wet clothes, we began to
+think it advisable to break our long fast, it being now twenty-four hours
+since we had tasted food.
+
+Accordingly, our day's ration was brought out, and seating ourselves on a
+detached fragment of rock, we proceeded to discuss it. First we divided it
+into equal portions, and carefully rolling one of them up for our
+evening's repast, divided the remainder again as equally as possible, and
+then drew lots for the first choice. I could have placed the morsel that
+fell to my share upon the tip of my finger; but notwithstanding this, I
+took care that it should be full ten minutes before I had swallowed the
+last crumb. What a true saying it is that "appetite furnishes the best
+sauce"! There was a flavour and a relish to this small particle of food
+that, under other circumstances, it would have been impossible for the
+most delicate viands to have imparted. A copious draught of the pure water
+which flowed at our feet served to complete the meal, and after it we rose
+sensibly refreshed, and prepared for whatever might befall us.
+
+We now carefully examined the chasm in which we had passed the night. We
+crossed the stream, and gaining the farther side of the pool I have
+mentioned, discovered proofs that the spot must have been visited by some
+one but a short time previous to our arrival. Further observation
+convinced us that it had been regularly frequented, and, as we afterwards
+conjectured from particular indications, for the purpose of obtaining a
+certain root, from which the natives obtained a kind of ointment.
+
+These discoveries immediately determined us to abandon a place which had
+presented no inducement for us to remain, except the promise of security;
+and as we looked about us for the means of ascending again into the upper
+regions, we at last found a practicable part of the rock, and
+half-an-hour's toil carried us to the summit of the same cliff from which
+the preceding evening we had descended.
+
+I now proposed to Toby that instead of rambling about the island, exposing
+ourselves to discovery at every turn, we should select some place as our
+fixed abode for as long a period as our food should hold out, build
+ourselves a comfortable hut, and be as prudent and circumspect as
+possible. To all this my companion assented, and we at once set about
+carrying the plan into execution.
+
+With this view, after exploring without success a little glen near us, we
+crossed several of the ridges of which I have before spoken; and about
+noon found ourselves ascending a long and gradually rising slope, but
+still without having discovered any place adapted to our purpose. Low and
+heavy clouds betokened an approaching storm, and we hurried on to gain a
+covert in a clump of thick bushes, which appeared to terminate the long
+ascent. We threw ourselves under the lee of these bushes, and pulling up
+the long grass that grew around, covered ourselves completely with it, and
+awaited the shower.
+
+But it did not come as soon as we had expected, and before many minutes my
+companion was fast asleep, and I was rapidly falling into the same state
+of happy forgetfulness. Just at this juncture, however, down came the rain
+with a violence that put all thoughts of slumber to flight. Although in
+some measure sheltered, our clothes soon became as wet as ever; this,
+after all the trouble we had taken to dry them, was provoking enough: but
+there was no help for it; and I recommend all adventurous youths who
+abandon vessels in romantic islands during the rainy season, to provide
+themselves with umbrellas.
+
+After an hour or so the shower passed away. My companion slept through it
+all, or at least appeared so to do; and now that it was over I had not the
+heart to awaken him. As I lay on my back completely shrouded with verdure,
+the leafy branches drooping over me, and my limbs buried in grass, I could
+not avoid comparing our situation with that of the interesting babes in
+the wood. Poor little sufferers!--no wonder their constitutions broke down
+under the hardships to which they were exposed.
+
+During the hour or two spent under the shelter of these bushes, I began to
+feel symptoms which I at once attributed to the exposure of the preceding
+night. Cold shiverings and a burning fever succeeded one another at
+intervals, while one of my legs was swelled to such a degree, and pained
+me so acutely, that I half suspected I had been bitten by some venomous
+reptile, the congenial inhabitant of the chasm from which we had lately
+emerged. I may here remark by the way--what I subsequently learned--that all
+the islands of Polynesia enjoy the reputation, in common with the
+Hibernian isle, of being free from the presence of any vipers; though
+whether Saint Patrick ever visited them, is a question I shall not attempt
+to decide.
+
+As the feverish sensation increased upon me I tossed about, still
+unwilling to disturb my slumbering companion, from whose side I removed
+two or three yards. I chanced to push aside a branch, and by so doing
+suddenly disclosed to my view a scene which even now I can recall with all
+the vividness of the first impression. Had a glimpse of the gardens of
+Paradise been revealed to me, I could scarcely have been more ravished
+with the sight.
+
+From the spot where I lay tranfixed with surprise and delight, I looked
+straight down into the bosom of a valley, which swept away in long wavy
+undulations to the blue waters in the distance. Midway towards the sea,
+and peering here and there amidst the foliage, might be seen the
+palmetto-thatched houses of its inhabitants, glistening in the sun that
+had bleached them to a dazzling whiteness. The vale was more than three
+leagues in length, and about a mile across at its greatest width.
+
+On either side it appeared hemmed in by steep and green acclivities,
+which, uniting near the spot where I lay, formed an abrupt and
+semi-circular termination of grassy cliffs and precipices hundreds of feet
+in height, over which flowed numberless small cascades. But the crowning
+beauty of the prospect was its universal verdure; and in this indeed
+consists, I believe, the peculiar charm of every Polynesian landscape.
+Everywhere below me, from the base of the precipice upon whose very verge
+I had been unconsciously reposing, the surface of the vale presented a
+mass of foliage, spread with such rich profusion that it was impossible to
+determine of what description of trees it consisted.
+
+But perhaps there was nothing about the scenery I beheld more impressive
+than those silent cascades, whose slender threads of water, after leaping
+down the steep cliffs, were lost amidst the rich herbage of the valley.
+
+Over all the landscape there reigned the most hushed repose, which I
+almost feared to break, lest, like the enchanted gardens in the fairy
+tale, a single syllable might dissolve the spell. For a long time,
+forgetful alike of my own situation, and the vicinity of my still
+slumbering companion, I remained gazing around me, hardly able to
+comprehend by what means I had thus suddenly been made a spectator of such
+a scene.
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER VII
+
+
+      The important question, Typee or Happar?--A wild-goose chase--My
+     sufferings--Disheartening situation--A night in the ravine--Morning
+           meal--Happy idea of Toby--Journey towards the valley.
+
+
+Recovering from my astonishment at the beautiful scene before me, I
+quickly awakened Toby, and informed him of the discovery I had made.
+Together we now repaired to the border of the precipice, and my
+companion's admiration was equal to my own. A little reflection, however,
+abated our surprise at coming so unexpectedly upon this valley, since the
+large vales of Happar and Typee, lying upon this side of Nukuheva, and
+extending a considerable distance from the sea towards the interior, must
+necessarily terminate somewhere about this point.
+
+The question now was as to which of those two places we were looking down
+upon. Toby insisted that it was the abode of the Happars, and I that it
+was tenanted by their enemies, the ferocious Typees. To be sure I was not
+entirely convinced by my own arguments, but Toby's proposition to descend
+at once into the valley, and partake of the hospitality of its inmates,
+seemed to me to be risking so much upon the strength of a mere
+supposition, that I resolved to oppose it until we had more evidence to
+proceed upon.
+
+The point was one of vital importance, as the natives of Happar were not
+only at peace with Nukuheva, but cultivated with its inhabitants the most
+friendly relations, and enjoyed beside a reputation for gentleness and
+humanity which led us to expect from them, if not a cordial reception, at
+least a shelter during the short period we should remain in their
+territory.
+
+On the other hand, the very name of Typee struck a panic into my heart
+which I did not attempt to disguise. The thought of voluntarily throwing
+ourselves into the hands of these cruel savages, seemed to me an act of
+mere madness; and almost equally so the idea of venturing into the valley,
+uncertain by which of these two tribes it was inhabited. That the vale at
+our feet was tenanted by one of them, was a point that appeared to us past
+all doubt, since we knew that they resided in this quarter, although our
+information did not enlighten us further.
+
+My companion, however, incapable of resisting the tempting prospect which
+the place held out of an abundant supply of food and other means of
+enjoyment, still clung to his own inconsiderate view of the subject, nor
+could all my reasoning shake it. When I reminded him that it was
+impossible for either of us to know anything with certainty, and when I
+dealt upon the horrible fate we should encounter were we rashly to descend
+into the valley, and discover too late the error we had committed, he
+replied by detailing all the evils of our present condition, and the
+sufferings we must undergo should we continue to remain where we then
+were.
+
+Anxious to draw him away from the subject, if possible--for I saw that it
+would be in vain to attempt changing his mind--I directed his attention to
+a long bright unwooded tract of land which, sweeping down from the
+elevations in the interior, descended into the valley before us. I then
+suggested to him that beyond this ridge might lie a capacious and
+untenanted valley, abounding with all manner of delicious fruits; for I
+had heard that there were several such upon the island, and proposed that
+we should endeavour to reach it, and if we found our expectations realized
+we should at once take refuge in it and remain there as long as we
+pleased.
+
+He acquiesced in the suggestion; and we immediately, therefore, began
+surveying the country lying before us, with a view of determining upon the
+best route for us to pursue; but it presented little choice, the whole
+interval being broken into steep ridges, divided by dark ravines,
+extending in parallel lines at right angles to our direct course. All
+these we would be obliged to cross before we could hope to arrive at our
+destination.
+
+A weary journey! But we decided to undertake it, though, for my own part,
+I felt little prepared to encounter its fatigues, shivering and burning by
+turns with the ague and fever; for I know not how else to describe the
+alternate sensations I experienced, and suffering not a little from the
+lameness which afflicted me. Added to this was the faintness consequent on
+our meagre diet--a calamity in which Toby participated to the same extent
+as myself.
+
+These circumstances, however, only augmented my anxiety to reach a place
+which promised us plenty and repose, before I should be reduced to a state
+which would render me altogether unable to perform the journey.
+Accordingly we now commenced it by descending the almost perpendicular
+side of a steep and narrow gorge, bristling with a thick growth of reeds.
+Here there was but one mode for us to adopt. We seated ourselves upon the
+ground, and guided our descent by catching at the canes in our path. The
+velocity with which we thus slid down the side of the ravine soon brought
+us to a point where we could use our feet, and in a short time we arrived
+at the edge of the torrent, which rolled impetuously along the bed of the
+chasm.
+
+After taking a refreshing draught from the water of the stream, we
+addressed ourselves to a much more difficult undertaking than the last.
+Every foot of our late descent had to be regained in ascending the
+opposite side of the gorge--an operation rendered the less agreeable from
+the consideration that in these perpendicular episodes we did not progress
+a hundred yards on our journey. But, ungrateful as the task was, we set
+about it with exemplary patience, and after a snail-like progress of an
+hour or more, had scaled perhaps one half of the distance, when the fever
+which had left me for awhile returned with such violence, and accompanied
+by so raging a thirst, that it required all the entreaties of Toby to
+prevent me from losing all the fruits of my late exertion, by
+precipitating myself madly down the cliffs we had just climbed, in quest
+of the water which flowed so temptingly at their base. At the moment all
+my hopes and fears appeared to be merged in this one desire, careless of
+the consequences that might result from its gratification. I am aware of
+no feeling, either of pleasure or of pain, that so completely deprives one
+of all power to resist its impulses, as this same raging thirst.
+
+Toby earnestly conjured me to continue the ascent, assuring me that a
+little more exertion would bring us to the summit, and that then in less
+than five minutes we should find ourselves at the brink of the stream,
+which must necessarily flow on the other side of the ridge.
+
+"Do not," he exclaimed, "turn back, now that we have proceeded thus far;
+for I tell you that neither of us will have the courage to repeat the
+attempt, if once more we find ourselves looking up to where we now are
+from the bottom of these rocks!"
+
+I was not yet so perfectly beside myself as to be heedless of these
+representations, and therefore toiled on, ineffectually endeavouring to
+appease the thirst which consumed me, by thinking that in a short time I
+should be able to gratify it to my heart's content.
+
+At last we gained the top of the second elevation, the loftiest of those I
+have described as extending in parallel lines between us and the valley we
+desired to reach. It commanded a view of the whole intervening distance;
+and, discouraged as I was by other circumstances, this prospect plunged me
+into the very depths of despair. Nothing but dark and fearful chasms,
+separated by sharp crested and perpendicular ridges as far as the eye
+could reach. Could we have stepped from summit to summit of these steep
+but narrow elevations we could easily have accomplished the distance; but
+we must penetrate to the bottom of every yawning gulf, and scale in
+succession every one of the eminences before us. Even Toby, although not
+suffering as I did, was not proof against the disheartening influences of
+the sight.
+
+But we did not long stand to contemplate it, impatient as I was to reach
+the waters of the torrent which flowed beneath us. With an insensibility
+to danger which I cannot call to mind without shuddering, we threw
+ourselves down the depths of the ravine, startling its savage solitudes
+with the echoes produced by the falling fragments of rock we every moment
+dislodged from their places, careless of the insecurity of our footing,
+and reckless whether the slight roots and twigs we clutched at sustained
+us for the while, or treacherously yielded to our grasp. For my own part,
+I scarcely knew whether I was helplessly falling from the heights above,
+or whether the fearful rapidity with which I descended was an act of my
+own volition.
+
+  [Illustration: AT LAST WE GAINED THE TOP OF THE SECOND ELEVATION]
+
+In a few minutes we reached the foot of the gorge, and kneeling upon a
+small ledge of dripping rocks, I bent over to the stream. What a delicious
+sensation was I now to experience! I paused for a second to concentrate
+all my capabilities of enjoyment, and then immerged my lips in the clear
+element before me. Had the apples of Sodom turned to ashes in my mouth, I
+could not have felt a more startling revulsion. A single drop of the cold
+fluid seemed to freeze every drop of blood in my body; the fever that had
+been burning in my veins gave place on the instant to death-like chills,
+which shook me one after another like so many shocks of electricity, while
+the perspiration produced by my late violent exertions congealed in icy
+beads upon my forehead. My thirst was gone, and I fairly loathed the
+water. Starting to my feet, the sight of those dank rocks, oozing forth
+moisture at every crevice, and the dark stream shooting along its dismal
+channel, sent fresh chills through my shivering frame, and I felt as
+uncontrollable a desire to climb up towards the genial sunlight as I
+before had to descend the ravine.
+
+After two hours' perilous exertions we stood upon the summit of another
+ridge, and it was with difficulty I could bring myself to believe that we
+had ever penetrated the black and yawning chasm which then gaped at our
+feet. Again we gazed upon the prospect which the height commanded, but it
+was just as depressing as the one which had before met our eyes. I now
+felt that in our present situation it was in vain for us to think of ever
+overcoming the obstacles in our way, and I gave up all thoughts of
+reaching the vale which lay beyond this series of impediments; while at
+the same time I could not devise any scheme to extricate ourselves from
+the difficulties in which we were involved.
+
+The remotest idea of returning to Nukuheva unless assured of our vessel's
+departure, never once entered my mind, and indeed it was questionable
+whether we could have succeeded in reaching it, divided as we were from
+the bay by a distance we could not compute, and perplexed too in our
+remembrance of localities by our recent wanderings. Besides, it was
+unendurable the thought of retracing our steps and rendering all our
+painful exertions of no avail.
+
+There is scarcely anything when a man is in difficulties that he is more
+disposed to look upon with abhorrence than a right-about retrograde
+movement--a systematic going over of the already trodden ground: and
+especially if he has a love of adventure, such a course appears
+indescribably repulsive, so long as there remains the least hope to be
+derived from braving untried difficulties.
+
+It was this feeling that prompted us to descend the opposite side of the
+elevation we had just scaled, although with what definite object in view
+it would have been impossible for either of us to tell.
+
+Without exchanging a syllable upon the subject, Toby and myself
+simultaneously renounced the design which had lured us thus far--perceiving
+in each other's countenances that desponding expression which speaks more
+eloquently than words.
+
+Together we stood towards the close of this weary day in the cavity of the
+third gorge we had entered, wholly incapacitated for any further exertion,
+until restored to some degree of strength by food and repose.
+
+We seated ourselves upon the least uncomfortable spot we could select, and
+Toby produced from the bosom of his frock the sacred package. In silence
+we partook of the small morsel of refreshment that had been left from the
+morning's repast, and without once proposing to violate the sanctity of
+our engagement with respect to the remainder, we rose to our feet, and
+proceeded to construct some sort of shelter under which we might obtain
+the sleep we so greatly needed.
+
+Fortunately the spot was better adapted to our purpose than the one in
+which we had passed the last wretched night. We cleared away the tall
+reeds from a small but almost level bit of ground, and twisted them into a
+low basket-like hut, which we covered with a profusion of long thick
+leaves, gathered from a tree near at hand. We disposed them thickly all
+around, reserving only a slight opening that barely permitted us to crawl
+under the shelter we had thus obtained.
+
+These deep recesses, though protected from the winds that assail the
+summits of their lofty sides, are damp and chill to a degree that one
+would hardly anticipate in such a climate; and being unprovided with
+anything but our woollen frocks and thin duck trousers to resist the cold
+of the place, we were the more solicitous to render our habitation for the
+night as comfortable as we could. Accordingly, in addition to what we had
+already done, we plucked down all the leaves within our reach and threw
+them in a heap over our little hut, into which we now crept, raking after
+us a reserved supply to form our couch.
+
+That night nothing but the pain I suffered prevented me from sleeping most
+refreshingly. As it was, I caught two or three naps, while Toby slept away
+at my side as soundly as though he had been sandwiched between two Holland
+sheets. Luckily it did not rain, and we were preserved from the misery
+which a heavy shower would have occasioned us.
+
+In the morning I was awakened by the sonorous voice of my companion
+ringing in my ears and bidding me rise. I crawled out from our heap of
+leaves, and was astonished at the change which a good night's rest had
+wrought in his appearance. He was as blithe and joyous as a young bird,
+and was staying the keenness of his morning's appetite by chewing the soft
+bark of a delicate branch he held in his hand, and he recommended the like
+to me, as an admirable antidote against the gnawings of hunger.
+
+For my own part, though feeling materially better than I had done the
+preceding evening, I could not look at the limb that had pained me so
+violently at intervals during the last twenty-four hours, without
+experiencing a sense of alarm that I strove in vain to shake off.
+Unwilling to disturb the flow of my comrade's spirits, I managed to stifle
+the complaints to which I might otherwise have given vent, and calling
+upon him good-humouredly to speed our banquet, I prepared myself for it by
+washing in the stream. This operation concluded, we swallowed, or rather
+absorbed, by a peculiar kind of slow sucking process, our respective
+morsels of nourishment, and then entered into a discussion as to the steps
+it was necessary for us to pursue.
+
+"What's to be done now?" inquired I, rather dolefully.
+
+"Descend into that same valley we descried yesterday," rejoined Toby, with
+a rapidity and loudness of utterance that almost led me to suspect he had
+been slyly devouring the broadside of an ox in some of the adjoining
+thickets. "What else," he continued, "remains for us to do but that, to be
+sure? Why, we shall both starve, to a certainty, if we remain here; and as
+to your fears of those Typees--depend upon it, it is all nonsense. It is
+impossible that the inhabitants of such a lovely place as we saw can be
+anything else but good fellows; and if you choose rather to perish with
+hunger in one of these soppy caverns, I for one prefer to chance a bold
+descent into the valley, and risk the consequences."
+
+"And who is to pilot us thither," I asked, "even if we should decide upon
+the measure you propose? Are we to go again up and down those precipices
+that we crossed yesterday, until we reach the place we started from, and
+then take a flying leap from the cliffs to the valley?"
+
+"'Faith, I didn't think of that," said Toby; "sure enough, both sides of
+the valley appeared to be hemmed in by precipices, didn't they?"
+
+"Yes," answered I; "as steep as the sides of a line-of-battle ship, and
+about a hundred times as high." My companion sank his head upon his
+breast, and remained for awhile in deep thought. Suddenly he sprang to his
+feet, while his eyes lighted up with that gleam of intelligence that marks
+the presence of some bright idea.
+
+"Yes, yes," he exclaimed; "the streams all run in the same direction, and
+must necessarily flow into the valley before they reach the sea; all we
+have to do is just to follow this stream, and sooner or later, it will
+lead us into the vale."
+
+"You are right, Toby," I exclaimed, "you are right; it must conduct us
+thither, and quickly too; for, see with what a steep inclination the water
+descends."
+
+"It does, indeed," burst forth my companion, overjoyed at my verification
+of his theory, "it does, indeed; why, it is as plain as a pike-staff. Let
+us proceed at once; come, throw away all those stupid ideas about the
+Typees, and hurrah for the lovely valley of the Happars!"
+
+"You will have it to be Happar, I see, my dear fellow; pray Heaven, you
+may not find yourself deceived," observed I, with a shake of my head.
+
+"Amen to all that, and much more," shouted Toby, rushing forward; "but
+Happar it is, for nothing else than Happar can it be. So glorious a
+valley--such forests of bread-fruit trees--such groves of cocoa-nut--such
+wildernesses of guava-bushes! Ah, shipmate! don't linger behind: in the
+name of all delightful fruits, I am dying to be at them. Come on, come on;
+shove ahead, there's a lively lad; never mind the rocks; kick them out of
+the way, as I do; and to-morrow, old fellow, take my word for it, we shall
+be in clover. Come on"; and so saying, he dashed along the ravine like a
+madman, forgetting my inability to keep up with him. In a few minutes,
+however, the exuberance of his spirits abated, and, pausing for awhile, he
+permitted me to overtake him.
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER VIII
+
+
+          Perilous passage of the ravine--Descent into the valley
+
+
+The fearless confidence of Toby was contagious, and I began to adopt the
+Happar side of the question. I could not, however, overcome a certain
+feeling of trepidation, as we made our way along these gloomy solitudes.
+Our progress, at first comparatively easy, became more and more difficult.
+The bed of the watercourse was covered with fragments of broken rocks,
+which had fallen from above, offering so many obstructions to the course
+of the rapid stream, which vexed and fretted about them,--forming at
+intervals small waterfalls, pouring over into deep basins, or splashing
+wildly upon heaps of stones.
+
+From the narrowness of the gorge, and the steepness of its sides, there
+was no mode of advancing but by wading through the water; stumbling every
+moment over the impediments which lay hidden under its surface, or
+tripping against the huge roots of trees. But the most annoying hindrance
+we encountered was from a multitude of crooked boughs, which, shooting out
+almost horizontally from the sides of the chasm, twisted themselves
+together in fantastic masses almost to the surface of the stream,
+affording us no passage except under the low arches which they formed.
+Under these we were obliged to crawl on our hands and feet, sliding along
+the oozy surface of the rocks, or slipping into the deep pools, and with
+scarce light enough to guide us. Occasionally we would strike our heads
+against some projecting limb of a tree; and while imprudently engaged in
+rubbing the injured part, would fall sprawling amongst flinty fragments,
+cutting and bruising ourselves, whilst the unpitying waters flowed over
+our prostrate bodies. Belzoni, worming himself through the subterranean
+passages of the Egyptian catacombs, could not have met with greater
+impediments than those we here encountered. But we struggled against them
+manfully, well knowing our only hope lay in advancing.
+
+Towards sunset we halted at a spot where we made preparations for passing
+the night. Here we constructed a hut, in much the same way as before, and
+crawling into it, endeavoured to forget our sufferings. My companion, I
+believe, slept pretty soundly; but at daybreak, when we rolled out of our
+dwelling, I felt nearly disqualified for any further efforts. Toby
+prescribed as a remedy for my illness the contents of one of our little
+silk packages, to be taken at once in a single dose. To this species of
+medical treatment, however, I would by no means accede, much as he
+insisted upon it; and so we partook of our usual morsel, and silently
+resumed our journey. It was the fourth day since we left Nukuheva, and the
+gnawings of hunger became painfully acute. We were fain to pacify them by
+chewing the tender bark of roots and twigs, which, if they did not afford
+us nourishment, were at least sweet and pleasant to the taste.
+
+Our progress along the steep watercourse was necessarily slow, and by noon
+we had not advanced more than a mile. It was somewhere near this part of
+the day that the noise of falling waters, which we had faintly caught in
+the early morning, became more distinct; and it was not long before we
+were arrested by a rocky precipice of nearly a hundred feet in depth, that
+extended all across the channel, and over which the wild stream poured in
+an unbroken leap. On either hand the walls of the ravine presented their
+overhanging sides both above and below the fall, affording no means
+whatever of avoiding the cataract by taking a circuit round it.
+
+"What's to be done now, Toby?" said I.
+
+"Why," rejoined he, "as we cannot retreat, I suppose we must keep shoving
+along."
+
+"Very true, my dear Toby; but how do you purpose accomplishing that
+desirable object?"
+
+"By jumping from the top of the fall, if there be no other way,"
+unhesitatingly replied my companion; "it will be much the quickest way of
+descent; but as you are not quite as active as I am, we will try some
+other way."
+
+And so saying, he crept cautiously along and peered over into the abyss,
+while I remained wondering by what possible means we could overcome this
+apparently insuperable obstruction. As soon as my companion had completed
+his survey, I eagerly inquired the result.
+
+"The result of my observations you wish to know, do you?" began Toby,
+deliberately, with one of his odd looks: "well, my lad, the result of my
+observation is very quickly imparted. It is at present uncertain which of
+our two necks will have the honour to be broken first; but about a hundred
+to one would be a fair bet in favour of the man who takes the first jump."
+
+"Then it is an impossible thing, is it?" inquired I, gloomily.
+
+"No, shipmate; on the contrary, it is the easiest thing in life: the only
+awkward point is the sort of usage which our unhappy limbs may receive
+when we arrive at the bottom, and what sort of travelling trim we shall be
+in afterwards. But follow me now, and I will show you the only chance we
+have."
+
+With this he conducted me to the verge of the cataract, and pointed along
+the side of the ravine to a number of curious-looking roots, some three or
+four inches in thickness, and several feet long, which, after twisting
+among the fissures of the rock, shot perpendicularly from it, and ran
+tapering to a point in the air, hanging over the gulf like so many dark
+icicles. They covered nearly the entire surface of one side of the gorge,
+the lowest of them reaching even to the water. Many were moss-grown and
+decayed, with their extremities snapped short off, and those in the
+immediate vicinity of the fall were slippery with moisture.
+
+Toby's scheme, and it was a desperate one, was to entrust ourselves to
+these treacherous-looking roots, and by slipping down from one to another
+to gain the bottom.
+
+"Are you ready to venture it?" asked Toby, looking at me earnestly, but
+without saying a word as to the practicability of the plan.
+
+"I am," was my reply; for I saw it was our only resource if we wished to
+advance, and as for retreating, all thoughts of that sort had been long
+abandoned.
+
+After I had signified my assent, Toby, without uttering a single word,
+crawled along the dripping ledge until he gained a point from whence he
+could just reach one of the largest of the pendant roots; he shook it--it
+quivered in his grasp, and when he let it go, it twanged in the air like a
+strong wire sharply struck. Satisfied by his scrutiny, my light-limbed
+companion swung himself nimbly upon it, and twisting his legs round it in
+sailor fashion, slipped down eight or ten feet, where his weight gave it a
+motion not unlike that of a pendulum. He could not venture to descend any
+farther; so holding on with one hand, he with the other shook one by one
+all the slender roots around him, and at last, finding one which he
+thought trustworthy, shifted himself to it and continued his downward
+progress.
+
+So far so well; but I could not avoid comparing my heavier frame and
+disabled condition with his light figure and remarkable activity: but
+there was no help for it, and in less than a minute's time I was swinging
+directly over his head. As soon as his upturned eyes caught a glimpse of
+me, he exclaimed in his usual dry tone, for the danger did not seem to
+daunt him in the least, "Mate, do me the kindness not to fall until I get
+out of your way"; and then swinging himself more on one side, he continued
+his descent. In the meantime, I cautiously transferred myself from the
+limb down which I had been slipping to a couple of others that were near
+it, deeming two strings to my bow better than one, and taking care to test
+their strength before I trusted my weight to them.
+
+On arriving towards the end of the second stage in this vertical journey,
+and shaking the long roots which were round me, to my consternation they
+snapped off one after another like so many pipe stems, and fell in
+fragments against the side of the gulf, splashing at last into the waters
+beneath.
+
+As one after another the treacherous roots yielded to my grasp, and fell
+into the torrent, my heart sunk within me. The branches on which I was
+suspended over the yawning chasm swang to and fro in the air, and I
+expected them every moment to snap in twain. Appalled at the dreadful fate
+that menaced me, I clutched frantically at the only large root which
+remained near me; but in vain; I could not reach it, though my fingers
+were within a few inches of it. Again and again I tried to reach it, until
+at length, maddened with the thought of my situation, I swayed myself
+violently by striking my foot against the side of the rock, and at the
+instant that I approached the large root caught desperately at it, and
+transferred myself to it. It vibrated violently under the sudden weight,
+but fortunately did not give way.
+
+My brain grew dizzy with the idea of the frightful risk I had just run,
+and I involuntarily closed my eyes to shut out the view of the depth
+beneath me. For the instant I was safe, and I uttered a devout ejaculation
+of thanksgiving for my escape.
+
+"Pretty well done," shouted Toby underneath me; "you are nimbler than I
+thought you to be--hopping about up there from root to root like any young
+squirrel. As soon as you have diverted yourself sufficiently, I would
+advise you to proceed."
+
+"Ay, ay, Toby, all in good time: two or three more such famous roots as
+this, and I shall be with you."
+
+The residue of my downward progress was comparatively easy; the roots were
+in greater abundance, and in one or two places jutting out points of rock
+assisted me greatly. In a few moments I was standing by the side of my
+companion.
+
+Substituting a stout stick for the one I had thrown aside at the top of
+the precipice, we now continued our course along the bed of the ravine.
+Soon we were saluted by a sound in advance, that grew by degrees louder
+and louder, as the noise of the cataract we were leaving behind gradually
+died on our ears.
+
+"Another precipice for us, Toby."
+
+"Very good; we can descend them, you know--come on."
+
+Nothing indeed appeared to depress or intimidate this intrepid fellow.
+Typee or Niagaras, he was as ready to engage one as the other, and I could
+not avoid a thousand times congratulating myself upon having such a
+companion in an enterprise like the present.
+
+After an hour's painful progress, we reached the verge of another fall,
+still loftier than the preceding, and flanked both above and below with
+the same steep masses of rock, presenting, however, here and there narrow
+irregular ledges, supporting a shallow soil, on which grew a variety of
+bushes and trees, whose bright verdure contrasted beautifully with the
+foamy waters that flowed between them.
+
+Toby, who invariably acted as pioneer, now proceeded to reconnoitre. On
+his return, he reported that the shelves of rock on our right would enable
+us to gain with little risk the bottom of the cataract. Accordingly,
+leaving the bed of the stream at the very point where it thundered down,
+we began crawling along one of these sloping ledges until it carried us to
+within a few feet of another that inclined downward at a still sharper
+angle, and upon which, by assisting each other, we managed to alight in
+safety. We warily crept along this, steadying ourselves by the naked roots
+of the shrubs that clung to every fissure. As we proceeded, the narrow
+path became still more contracted, rendering it difficult for us to
+maintain our footing, until suddenly, as we reached an angle of the wall
+of rock where we had expected it to widen, we perceived to our
+consternation, that a yard or two farther on it abruptly terminated at a
+place we could not possibly hope to pass.
+
+Toby, as usual, led the van, and in silence I waited to learn from him how
+he proposed to extricate us from this new difficulty.
+
+"Well, my boy," I exclaimed, after the expiration of several minutes,
+during which time my companion had not uttered a word: "what's to be done
+now?"
+
+He replied in a tranquil tone that probably the best thing we could do in
+the present strait was to get out of it as soon as possible.
+
+"Yes, my dear Toby, but tell me _how_ we are to get out of it."
+
+"Something in this sort of style," he replied; and at the same moment, to
+my horror, he slipped sideways off the rock, and, as I then thought, by
+good fortune merely, alighted among the spreading branches of a species of
+palm tree, that shooting its hardy roots along a ledge below, curved its
+trunk upwards into the air, and presented a thick mass of foliage about
+twenty feet below the spot where we had thus suddenly been brought to a
+stand-still. I voluntarily held my breath, expecting to see the form of my
+companion, after being sustained for a moment by the branches of the tree,
+sink through their frail support, and fall headlong to the bottom. To my
+surprise and joy, however, he recovered himself, and disentangling his
+limbs from the fractured branches, he peered out from his leafy bed, and
+shouted lustily, "Come on, my hearty, there is no other alternative!" and
+with this he ducked beneath the foliage, and slipping down the trunk,
+stood in a moment at least fifty feet beneath me, upon the broad shelf of
+rock from which sprung the tree he had descended.
+
+What would I not have given at that moment to have been by his side? The
+feat he had just accomplished seemed little less than miraculous, and I
+could hardly credit the evidence of my senses when I saw the wide distance
+that a single daring act had so suddenly placed between us.
+
+Toby's animating "come on!" again sounded in my ears, and dreading to lose
+all confidence in myself if I remained meditating upon the step, I once
+more gazed down to assure myself of the relative bearing of the tree and
+my own position, and then closing my eyes and uttering one comprehensive
+ejaculation of prayer, I inclined myself over towards the abyss, and after
+one breathless instant fell with a crash into the tree, the branches
+snapping and crackling with my weight, as I sunk lower and lower among
+them until I was stopped by coming in contact with a sturdy limb.
+
+In a few moments I was standing at the foot of the tree, manipulating
+myself all over with a view of ascertaining the extent of the injuries I
+had received. To my surprise the only effects of my feat were a few slight
+contusions too trifling to care about. The rest of our descent was easily
+accomplished, and in half an hour after regaining the ravine, we had
+partaken of our evening morsel, built our hut as usual, and crawled under
+its shelter.
+
+The next morning, in spite of our debility and the agony of hunger under
+which we were now suffering, though neither of us confessed to the fact,
+we struggled along our dismal and still difficult and dangerous path,
+cheered by the hope of soon catching a glimpse of the valley before us,
+and towards evening the voice of a cataract which had for some time
+sounded like a low deep bass to the music of the smaller waterfalls, broke
+upon our ears in still louder tones, and assured us that we were
+approaching its vicinity.
+
+That evening we stood on the brink of a precipice, over which the dark
+stream bounded in one final leap of full 300 feet. The sheer descent
+terminated in the region we so long had sought. On either side of the
+fall, two lofty and perpendicular bluffs buttressed the sides of the
+enormous cliff, and projected into the sea of verdure with which the
+valley waved, and a range of similar projecting eminences stood disposed
+in a half circle about the head of the vale. A thick canopy of trees hung
+over the very verge of the fall, leaving an arched aperture for the
+passage of the waters, which imparted a strange picturesqueness to the
+scene.
+
+The valley was now before us; but instead of being conducted into its
+smiling bosom by the gradual descent of the deep watercourse we had thus
+far pursued, all our labours now appeared to have been rendered futile by
+its abrupt termination. But, bitterly disappointed, we did not entirely
+despair.
+
+As it was now near sunset we determined to pass the night where we were
+and on the morrow, refreshed by sleep, and by eating at one meal all our
+stock of food, to accomplish a descent into the valley, or perish in the
+attempt.
+
+We laid ourselves down that night on a spot, the recollection of which
+still makes me shudder. A small table of rock which projected over the
+precipice on one side of the stream, and was drenched by the spray of the
+fall, sustained a huge trunk of a tree which must have been deposited
+there by some heavy freshet. It lay obliquely, with one end resting on the
+rock and the other supported by the side of the ravine. Against it we
+placed in a sloping direction a number of the half-decayed boughs that
+were strewn about, and covering the whole with twigs and leaves, awaited
+the morning's light beneath such shelter as it afforded.
+
+During the whole of this night the continual roaring of the cataract--the
+dismal moaning of the gale through the trees--the pattering of the rain,
+and the profound darkness, affected my spirits to a degree which nothing
+had ever before produced. Wet, half-famished, and chilled to the heart
+with the dampness of the place, and nearly wild with the pain I endured, I
+fairly cowered down to the earth under this multiplication of hardships,
+and abandoned myself to frightful anticipations of evil; and my companion,
+whose spirit at last was a good deal broken, scarcely uttered a word
+during the whole night.
+
+At length the day dawned upon us, and rising from our miserable pallet, we
+stretched our stiffened joints, and after eating all that remained of our
+bread, prepared for the last stage of our journey.
+
+I will not recount every hairbreadth escape, and every fearful difficulty
+that occurred before we succeeded in reaching the bosom of the valley. As
+I have already described similar scenes, it will be sufficient to say that
+at length, after great toil and great dangers, we both stood with no limbs
+broken at the head of that magnificent vale which five days before had so
+suddenly burst upon my sight, and almost beneath the shadow of those very
+cliffs from whose summits we had gazed upon the prospect.
+
+
+
+
+
+                                CHAPTER IX
+
+
+    The head of the valley--Cautious advance--A path--Fruit--Discovery of
+      two of the natives--Their singular conduct--Approach towards the
+          inhabited parts of the vale--Sensation produced by our
+         appearance--Reception at the house of one of the natives.
+
+
+How to obtain the fruit which we felt convinced must grow near at hand was
+our first thought.
+
+Typee or Happar? A frightful death at the hands of the fiercest of
+cannibals, or a kindly reception from a gentler race of savages? Which?
+But it was too late now to discuss a question which would so soon be
+answered.
+
+The part of the valley in which we found ourselves appeared to be
+altogether uninhabited. An almost impenetrable thicket extended from side
+to side, without presenting a single plant affording the nourishment we
+had confidently calculated upon; and with this object, we followed the
+course of the stream, casting quick glances as we proceeded into the thick
+jungles on either hand.
+
+My companion--to whose solicitations I had yielded in descending into the
+valley--now that the step was taken, began to manifest a degree of caution
+I had little expected from him. He proposed that in the event of our
+finding an adequate supply of fruit, we should remain in this unfrequented
+portion of the valley--where we should run little chance of being surprised
+by its occupants, whoever they might be--until sufficiently recruited to
+resume our journey; when laying in a store of food equal to our wants, we
+might easily regain the bay of Nukuheva, after the lapse of a sufficient
+interval to ensure the departure of our vessel.
+
+I objected strongly to this proposition, plausible as it was, as the
+difficulties of the route would almost be insurmountable, unacquainted as
+we were with the general bearings of the country, and I reminded my
+companion of the hardships which we had already encountered in our
+uncertain wanderings; in a word, I said that since we had deemed it
+advisable to enter the valley, we ought manfully to face the consequences,
+whatever they might be; the more especially as I was convinced there was
+no alternative left us but to fall in with the natives at once, and boldly
+risk the reception they might give us: and that as to myself, I felt the
+necessity of rest and shelter, and that until I had obtained them, I
+should be wholly unable to encounter such sufferings as we had lately
+passed through. To the justice of these observations Toby somewhat
+reluctantly assented.
+
+We were surprised that, after moving as far as we had along the valley, we
+would still meet with the same impervious thickets; and thinking that
+although the borders of the stream might be lined for some distance with
+them, yet beyond there might be more open ground, I requested Toby to keep
+a bright look-out upon one side, while I did the same on the other, in
+order to discover some opening in the bushes, and especially to watch for
+the slightest appearance of a path or anything else that might indicate
+the vicinity of the islanders.
+
+What furtive and anxious glances we cast into those dim-looking shades!
+With what apprehensions we proceeded, ignorant at what moment we might be
+greeted by the javelin of some ambushed savage! At last my companion
+paused, and directed my attention to a narrow opening in the foliage. We
+struck into it, and it soon brought us by an indistinctly traced path to a
+comparatively clear space, at the farther end of which we descried a
+number of the trees, the native name of which is "annuee," and which bear
+a most delicious fruit.
+
+What a race! I hobbling over the ground like some decrepid wretch, and
+Toby leaping forward like a greyhound. He quickly cleared one of the trees
+on which there were two or three of the fruit, but to our chagrin they
+proved to be much decayed; the rinds partly opened by the birds, and their
+hearts half devoured. However, we quickly despatched them, and no ambrosia
+could have been more delicious.
+
+We looked about us uncertain whither to direct our steps, since the path
+we had so far followed appeared to be lost in the open space around us. At
+last we resolved to enter a grove near at hand, and had advanced a few
+rods, when, just upon its skirts, I picked up a slender bread-fruit shoot
+perfectly green, and with the tender bark freshly stript from it. It was
+slippery with moisture, and appeared as if it had been but that moment
+thrown aside. I said nothing, but merely held it up to Toby, who started
+at this undeniable evidence of the vicinity of the savages.
+
+The plot was now thickening.--A short distance farther lay a little faggot
+of the same shoots bound together with a strip of bark. Could it have been
+thrown down by some solitary native, who, alarmed at seeing us, had
+hurried forward to carry the tidings of our approach to his
+countrymen?--Typee or Happar?--But it was too late to recede, so we moved on
+slowly, my companion in advance casting eager glances under the trees on
+either side, until all at once I saw him recoil as if stung by an adder.
+Sinking on his knee, he waved me off with one hand, while with the other
+he held aside some intervening leaves, and gazed intently at some object.
+
+Disregarding his injunction, I quickly approached him and caught a glimpse
+of two figures partly hidden by the dense foliage; they were standing
+close together, and were perfectly motionless. They must have previously
+perceived us, and withdrawn into the depths of the wood to elude our
+observation.
+
+My mind was at once made up. Dropping my staff, and tearing open the
+package of things we had brought from the ship, I unrolled the cotton
+cloth, and holding it in one hand, plucked with the other a twig from the
+bushes beside me, and telling Toby to follow my example, I broke through
+the covert and advanced, waving the branch in token of peace towards the
+shrinking forms before me.
+
+They were a boy and a girl, slender and graceful, and completely naked,
+with the exception of a slight girdle of bark, from which depended at
+opposite points two of the russet leaves of the bread-fruit tree. An arm
+of the boy, half screened from sight by her wild tresses, was thrown about
+the neck of the girl, while with the other he held one of her hands in
+his; and thus they stood together, their heads inclined forward, catching
+the faint noise we made in our progress, and with one foot in advance, as
+if half inclined to fly from our presence.
+
+As we drew near, their alarm evidently increased. Apprehensive that they
+might fly from us altogether, I stopped short and motioned them to advance
+and receive the gift I extended towards them, but they would not; I then
+uttered a few words of their language with which I was acquainted,
+scarcely expecting that they would understand me, but to show that we had
+not dropped from the clouds upon them. This appeared to give them a little
+confidence, so I approached nearer, presenting the cloth with one hand,
+and holding the bough with the other, while they slowly retreated. At last
+they suffered us to approach so near to them that we were enabled to throw
+the cotton cloth across their shoulders, giving them to understand that it
+was theirs, and by a variety of gestures endeavouring to make them
+understand that we entertained the highest possible regard for them.
+
+The frightened pair now stood still, whilst we endeavoured to make them
+comprehend the nature of our wants. In doing this Toby went through with a
+complete series of pantomimic illustrations--opening his mouth from ear to
+ear, and thrusting his fingers down his throat, gnashing his teeth and
+rolling his eyes about, till I verily believe the poor creatures took us
+for a couple of white cannibals who were about to make a meal of them.
+When, however, they understood us, they showed no inclination to relieve
+our wants. At this juncture it began to rain violently, and we motioned
+them to lead us to some place of shelter. With this request they appeared
+willing to comply, but nothing could evince more strongly the apprehension
+with which they regarded us, than the way in which, whilst walking before
+us, they kept their eyes constantly turned back to watch every movement we
+made, and even our very looks.
+
+"Typee or Happar, Toby?" asked I, as we walked after them.
+
+"Of course, Happar," he replied, with a show of confidence which was
+intended to disguise his doubts.
+
+"We shall soon know," I exclaimed; and at the same moment I stepped
+forward towards our guides, and pronouncing the two names interrogatively,
+and pointing to the lowest part of the valley, endeavoured to come to the
+point at once. They repeated the words after me again and again, but
+without giving any peculiar emphasis to either, so that I was completely
+at a loss to understand them; for a couple of wilier young things than we
+afterwards found them to have been on this particular occasion never
+probably fell in any traveller's way.
+
+More and more curious to ascertain our fate, I now threw together in the
+form of a question the words "Happar" and "Mortarkee," the latter being
+equivalent to the word "good." The two natives interchanged glances of
+peculiar meaning with one another at this, and manifested no little
+surprise; but on the repetition of the question, after some consultation
+together, to the great joy of Toby, they answered in the affirmative. Toby
+was now in ecstasies, especially as the young savages continued to
+reiterate their answer with great energy, as though desirous of impressing
+us with the idea that being among the Happars, we ought to consider
+ourselves perfectly secure.
+
+Although I had some lingering doubts, I feigned great delight with Toby at
+this announcement, while my companion broke out into a pantomimic
+abhorrence of Typee, and immeasurable love for the particular valley in
+which we were; our guides all the while gazing uneasily at one another, as
+if at a loss to account for our conduct.
+
+They hurried on, and we followed them; until suddenly they set up a
+strange halloo, which was answered from beyond the grove through which we
+were passing, and the next moment we entered upon some open ground, at the
+extremity of which we descried a long, low hut, and in front of it were
+several young girls. As soon as they perceived us they fled with wild
+screams into the adjoining thickets, like so many startled fawns. A few
+moments after the whole valley resounded with savage outcries, and the
+natives came running towards us from every direction.
+
+Had an army of invaders made an irruption into their territory, they could
+not have evinced greater excitement. We were soon completely encircled by
+a dense throng, and in their eager desire to behold us, they almost
+arrested our progress; an equal number surrounding our youthful guides,
+who, with amazing volubility, appeared to be detailing the circumstances
+which had attended their meeting with us. Every item of intelligence
+appeared to redouble the astonishment of the islanders, and they gazed at
+us with inquiring looks.
+
+At last we reached a large and handsome building of bamboos, and were by
+signs told to enter it, the natives opening a lane for us through which to
+pass; on entering, without ceremony we threw our exhausted frames upon the
+mats that covered the floor. In a moment the slight tenement was
+completely full of people, whilst those who were unable to gain admittance
+gazed at us through its open cane-work.
+
+It was now evening, and by the dim light we could just discern the savage
+countenances around us, gleaming with wild curiosity and wonder; the naked
+forms and tattooed limbs of brawny warriors, with here and there the
+slighter figures of young girls, all engaged in a perfect storm of
+conversation, of which we were of course the one only theme; whilst our
+recent guides were fully occupied in answering the innumerable questions
+which every one put to them. Nothing can exceed the fierce gesticulation
+of these people when animated in conversation, and on this occasion they
+gave loose to all their natural vivacity, shouting and dancing about in a
+manner that well-nigh intimidated us.
+
+Close to where we lay, squatting upon their haunches, were some eight or
+ten noble-looking chiefs--for such they subsequently proved to be--who, more
+reserved than the rest, regarded us with a fixed and stern attention,
+which not a little discomposed our equanimity. One of them in particular,
+who appeared to be the highest in rank, placed himself directly facing me,
+looking at me with a rigidity of aspect under which I absolutely quailed.
+He never once opened his lips, but maintained his severe expression of
+countenance, without turning his face aside for a single moment. Never
+before had I been subjected to so strange and steady a glance; it revealed
+nothing of the mind of the savage, but it appeared to be reading my own.
+
+  [Illustration: WE WERE SOON COMPLETELY ENCIRCLED BY A DENSE THRONG]
+
+After undergoing this scrutiny till I grew absolutely nervous, with a view
+of diverting it if possible, and conciliating the good opinion of the
+warrior, I took some tobacco from the bosom of my frock, and offered it to
+him. He quietly rejected the proffered gift, and, without speaking,
+motioned me to return it to its place.
+
+In my previous intercourse with the natives of Nukuheva and Tior, I had
+found that the present of a small piece of tobacco would have rendered any
+of them devoted to my service. Was this act of the chief a token of his
+enmity? Typee or Happar? I asked within myself. I started, for at the same
+moment this identical question was asked by the strange being before me. I
+turned to Toby; the flickering light of a native taper showed me his
+countenance pale with trepidation at this fatal question. I paused for a
+second, and I know not by what impulse it was that I answered, "Typee."
+The piece of dusky statuary nodded in approval, and then murmured,
+"Mortarkee?" "Mortarkee," said I, without further hesitation--"Typee
+mortarkee."
+
+What a transition! The dark figures around us leaped to their feet,
+clapped their hands in transport, and shouted again and again the
+talismanic syllables, the utterance of which appeared to have settled
+everything.
+
+When this commotion had a little subsided, the principal chief squatted
+once more before me, and throwing himself into a sudden rage, poured forth
+a string of philippics, which I was at no loss to understand, from the
+frequent recurrence of the word Happar, as being directed against the
+natives of the adjoining valley. In all these denunciations my companion
+and I acquiesced, while we extolled the character of the warlike Typees.
+To be sure our panegyrics were somewhat laconic, consisting in the
+repetition of that name, united with the potent adjective, "Mortarkee."
+But this was sufficient, and served to conciliate the good-will of the
+natives, with whom our congeniality of sentiment on this point did more
+towards inspiring a friendly feeling than anything else that could have
+happened.
+
+At last the wrath of the chief evaporated, and in a few moments he was as
+placid as ever. Laying his hand upon his breast, he gave me to understand
+that his name was "Mehevi," and that, in return, he wished me to
+communicate my appellation. I hesitated for an instant, thinking that it
+might be difficult for him to pronounce my real name, and then, with the
+most praiseworthy intentions, intimated that I was known as "Tom." But I
+could not have made a worse selection; the chief could not master it:
+"Tommo," "Tomma," "Tommee," everything but plain "Tom." As he persisted in
+garnishing the word with an additional syllable, I compromised the matter
+with him at the word "Tommo"; and by that name I went during the entire
+period of my stay in the valley. The same proceeding was gone through with
+Toby, whose mellifluous appellation was more easily caught.
+
+An exchange of names is equivalent to a ratification of good-will and
+amity among these simple people; and as we were aware of this fact, we
+were delighted that it had taken place on the present occasion.
+
+Reclining upon our mats, we now held a kind of levee, giving audience to
+successive troops of the natives, who introduced themselves to us by
+pronouncing their respective names, and retired in high good humour on
+receiving ours in return. During the ceremony the greatest merriment
+prevailed, nearly every announcement on the part of the islanders being
+followed by a fresh sally of gaiety, which induced me to believe that some
+of them at least were innocently diverting the company at our expense, by
+bestowing upon themselves a string of absurd titles, of the honour of
+which we were, of course, entirely ignorant.
+
+All this occupied about an hour, when the throng having a little
+diminished, I turned to Mehevi, and gave him to understand that we were in
+need of food and sleep. Immediately the attentive chief addressed a few
+words to one of the crowd, who disappeared, and returned in a few moments
+with a calabash of "poee-poee," and two or three young cocoa-nuts stripped
+of their husks, and with their shells partly broken. We both of us
+forthwith placed one of those natural goblets to our lips, and drained it
+in a moment of the refreshing draught it contained. The poee-poee was then
+placed before us, and even famished as I was, I paused to consider in what
+manner to convey it to my mouth.
+
+This staple article of food among the Marquese islanders is manufactured
+from the produce of the bread-fruit tree. It somewhat resembles in its
+plastic nature our bookbinders' paste, is of a yellow colour, and somewhat
+tart to the taste.
+
+Such was the dish, the merits of which I was now eager to discuss. I eyed
+it wistfully for a moment, and then, unable any longer to stand on
+ceremony, plunged my hand into the yielding mass, and to the boisterous
+mirth of the natives drew it forth laden with the poee-poee, which adhered
+in lengthening strings to every finger. So stubborn was its consistency,
+that in conveying my heavily-freighted hand to my mouth, the connecting
+links almost raised the calabash from the mats on which it had been
+placed. This display of awkwardness--in which, by the bye, Toby kept me
+company--convulsed the bystanders with uncontrollable laughter.
+
+As soon as their merriment had somewhat subsided, Mehevi, motioning us to
+be attentive, dipped the fore-finger of his right hand in the dish, and
+giving it a rapid and scientific twirl, drew it out coated smoothly with
+the preparation. With a second peculiar flourish he prevented the
+poee-poee from dropping to the ground as he raised it to his mouth, into
+which the finger was inserted, and was drawn forth perfectly free of any
+adhesive matter. This performance was evidently intended for our
+instruction; so I again essayed the feat on the principles inculcated, but
+with very ill success.
+
+A starving man, however, little heeds conventional proprieties, especially
+on a South Sea island, and accordingly Toby and I partook of the dish
+after our own clumsy fashion, beplastering our faces all over with the
+glutinous compound, and daubing our hands nearly to the wrist. This kind
+of food is by no means disagreeable to the palate of a European, though at
+first the mode of eating it may be. For my own part, after the lapse of a
+few days I became accustomed to its singular flavour, and grew remarkably
+fond of it.
+
+So much for the first course; several other dishes followed it, some of
+which were positively delicious. We concluded our banquet by tossing off
+the contents of two more young cocoa-nuts, after which we regaled
+ourselves with the soothing fumes of tobacco, inhaled from a quaintly
+carved pipe which passed round the circle.
+
+During the repast, the natives eyed us with intense curiosity, observing
+our minutest motions, and appearing to discover abundant matter for
+comment in the most trifling occurrence. Their surprise mounted the
+highest, when we began to remove our uncomfortable garments, which were
+saturated with rain. They scanned the whiteness of our limbs, and seemed
+utterly unable to account for the contrast they presented to the swarthy
+hue of our faces, embrowned from a six months' exposure to the scorching
+sun of the Line. They felt our skin, much in the same way that a silk
+mercer would handle a remarkably fine piece of satin; and some of them
+went so far in their investigation as to apply the olfactory organ.
+
+Their singular behaviour almost led me to imagine that they never before
+had beheld a white man; but a few moments' reflection convinced me that
+this could not have been the case; and a more satisfactory reason for
+their conduct has since suggested itself to my mind.
+
+Deterred by the frightful stories related of its inhabitants, ships never
+enter this bay, while their hostile relations with the tribes in the
+adjoining valleys prevent the Typees from visiting that section of the
+island where vessels occasionally lie. At long intervals, however, some
+intrepid captain will touch on the skirts of the bay, with two or three
+armed boats' crews, and accompanied by an interpreter. The natives who
+live near the sea descry the strangers long before they reach their
+waters, and aware of the purpose for which they come, proclaim loudly the
+news of their approach. By a species of vocal telegraph the intelligence
+reaches the inmost recesses of the vale in an inconceivably short space of
+time, drawing nearly its whole population down to the beach laden with
+every variety of fruit. The interpreter, who is invariably a "tabooed
+Kannaka,"(1) leaps ashore with the goods intended for barter, while the
+boats, with their oars shipped, and every man on his thwart, lie just
+outside the surf, heading off from the shore, in readiness at the first
+untoward event to escape to the open sea. As soon as the traffic is
+concluded, one of the boats pulls in under cover of the muskets of the
+others, the fruit is quickly thrown into her, and the transient visitors
+precipitately retire from what they justly consider so dangerous a
+vicinity.
+
+The intercourse occurring with Europeans being so restricted, no wonder
+that the inhabitants of the valley manifested so much curiosity with
+regard to us, appearing as we did among them under such singular
+circumstances. I have no doubt that we were the first white men who ever
+penetrated thus far back into their territories, or at least the first who
+had ever descended from the head of the vale. What had brought us thither
+must have appeared a complete mystery to them, and from our ignorance of
+the language it was impossible for us to enlighten them. In answer to
+inquiries which the eloquence of their gestures enabled us to comprehend,
+all that we could reply was, that we had come from Nukuheva, a place, be
+it remembered, with which they were at open war. This intelligence
+appeared to affect them with the most lively emotions. "Nukuheva
+mortarkee?" they asked. Of course we replied most energetically in the
+negative.
+
+They then plied us with a thousand questions, of which we could understand
+nothing more than that they had reference to the recent movements of the
+French, against whom they seemed to cherish the most fierce hatred. So
+eager were they to obtain information on this point, that they still
+continued to propound their queries long after we had shown that we were
+utterly unable to answer them. Occasionally we caught some indistinct idea
+of their meaning, when we would endeavour by every method in our power to
+communicate the desired intelligence. At such times their gratification
+was boundless, and they would redouble their efforts to make us comprehend
+them more perfectly. But all in vain; and in the end they looked at us
+despairingly, as if we were the receptacles of invaluable information, but
+how to come at it they knew not.
+
+After awhile the group around us gradually dispersed, and we were left
+about midnight (as we conjectured) with those who appeared to be permanent
+residents of the house. These individuals now provided us with fresh mats
+to lie upon, covered us with several folds of tappa, and then
+extinguishing the tapers that had been burning, threw themselves down
+beside us, and after a little desultory conversation were soon sound
+asleep.
+
+
+
+
+
+                                CHAPTER X
+
+
+       Midnight reflections--Morning visitors--A warrior in costume--A
+       savage AEsculapius--Practice of the healing art--Body-servant--A
+     dwelling-house of the valley described--Portraits of its inmates.
+
+
+Various and conflicting were the thoughts which oppressed me during the
+silent hours that followed the events related in the preceding chapter.
+Toby, wearied with the fatigues of the day, slumbered heavily by my side;
+but the pain under which I was suffering effectually prevented my
+sleeping, and I remained distressingly alive to all the fearful
+circumstances of our present situation. Was it possible that, after all
+our vicissitudes, we were really in the terrible valley of Typee, and at
+the mercy of its inmates, a fierce and unrelenting tribe of savages?
+
+Typee or Happar? I shuddered when I reflected that there was no longer any
+room for doubt; and that, beyond all hope of escape, we were now placed in
+those very circumstances from the bare thought of which I had recoiled
+with such abhorrence but a few days before. What might not be our fearful
+destiny? To be sure, as yet, we had been treated with no violence; nay,
+had been even kindly and hospitably entertained. But what dependence could
+be placed upon the fickle passions which sway the bosom of a savage? His
+inconstancy and treachery are proverbial. Might if not be that, beneath
+these fair appearances, the islanders covered some perfidious design, and
+that their friendly reception of us might only precede some horrible
+catastrophe? How strongly did these forebodings spring up in my mind, as I
+lay restlessly upon a couch of mats, surrounded by the dimly-revealed
+forms of those whom I so greatly dreaded.
+
+From the excitement of these fearful thoughts, I sank, towards morning,
+into an uneasy slumber; and on awaking, with a start, in the midst of an
+appalling dream, looked up into the eager countenances of a number of the
+natives, who were bending over me.
+
+It was broad day; and the house was nearly filled with young females,
+fancifully decorated with flowers, who gazed upon me as I rose with faces
+in which childish delight and curiosity were vividly portrayed. After
+waking Toby, they seated themselves round us on the mats, and gave full
+play to that prying inquisitiveness which, time out of mind, has been
+attributed to the adorable sex.
+
+As these unsophisticated young creatures were attended by no jealous
+duennas, their proceedings were altogether informal, and void of
+artificial restraint. Long and minute was the investigation with which
+they honoured us, and so uproarious their mirth, that I felt infinitely
+sheepish; and Toby was immeasurably outraged at their familiarity.
+
+These lively young ladies were at the same time wonderfully polite and
+humane; fanning aside the insects that occasionally lighted on our brows;
+presenting us with food; and compassionately regarding me in the midst of
+my afflictions. But in spite of all their blandishments, my feelings of
+propriety were exceedingly shocked, for I could not but consider them as
+having overstepped the due limits of female decorum.
+
+Having diverted themselves to their hearts' content, our young visitants
+now withdrew, and gave place to successive troops of the other sex, who
+continued flocking towards the house until near noon; by which time I have
+no doubt that the greater part of the inhabitants of the valley had bathed
+themselves in the light of our benignant countenances.
+
+As last, when their numbers began to diminish, a superb-looking warrior
+stooped the towering plumes of his head-dress beneath the low portal, and
+entered the house. I saw at once that he was some distinguished personage,
+the natives regarding him with the utmost deference, and making room for
+him as he approached. His aspect was imposing. The splendid long drooping
+tail-feathers of the tropical bird, thickly interspersed with the gaudy
+plumage of the cock, were disposed in an immense upright semicircle upon
+his head, their lower extremities being fixed in a crescent of
+guinea-beads which spanned the forehead. Around his neck were several
+enormous necklaces of boar's tusks, polished like ivory, and disposed in
+such a manner as that the longest and largest were upon his capacious
+chest. Thrust forward through the large apertures in his ears were two
+small and finely shaped sperm-whale teeth, presenting their cavities in
+front, stuffed with freshly-plucked leaves, and curiously wrought at the
+other end into strange little images and devices. These barbaric trinkets,
+garnished in this manner at their open extremities, and tapering and
+curving round to a point behind the ear, resembled not a little a pair of
+cornucopias.
+
+The loins of the warrior were girt about with heavy folds of a
+dark-coloured tappa, hanging before and behind in clusters of braided
+tassels, while anklets and bracelets of curling human hair completed his
+unique costume. In his right hand he grasped a beautifully-carved
+paddle-spear, nearly fifteen feet in length, made of the bright koar-wood,
+one end sharply pointed, and the other flattened like an oar-blade.
+Hanging obliquely from his girdle by a loop of sinnate, was a
+richly-decorated pipe; the slender reed forming its stem was coloured with
+a red pigment, and round it, as well as the idol-bowl, fluttered little
+streamers of the thinnest tappa.
+
+But that which was most remarkable in the appearance of this splendid
+islander, was the elaborate tattooing displayed on every noble limb. All
+imaginable lines and curves and figures were delineated over his whole
+body, and in their grotesque variety and infinite profusion, I could only
+compare them to the crowded groupings of quaint patterns we sometimes see
+in costly pieces of lacework. The most simple and remarkable of all these
+ornaments was that which decorated the countenance of the chief. Two broad
+stripes of tattooing, diverging from the centre of his shaven crown,
+obliquely crossed both eyes--staining the lids--to a little below either
+ear, where they united with another stripe, which swept in a straight line
+along the lips, and formed the base of the triangle. The warrior, from the
+excellence of his physical proportions, might certainly have been regarded
+as one of nature's noblemen, and the lines drawn upon his face may
+possibly have denoted his exalted rank.
+
+This warlike personage, upon entering the house, seated himself at some
+distance from the spot where Toby and myself reposed, while the rest of
+the savages looked alternately from us to him, as if in expectation of
+something they were disappointed in not perceiving. Regarding the chief
+attentively, I thought his lineaments appeared familiar to me. As soon as
+his full face was turned upon me, and I again beheld its extraordinary
+embellishment, and met the strange gaze to which I had been subjected the
+preceding night, I immediately, in spite of the alteration in his
+appearance, recognised the noble Mehevi. On addressing him, he advanced at
+once in the most cordial manner, and greeting me warmly, seemed to enjoy
+not a little the effect his barbaric costume had produced upon me.
+
+I forthwith determined to secure, if possible, the goodwill of this
+individual, as I easily perceived he was a man of great authority in his
+tribe, and one who might exert a powerful influence upon our subsequent
+fate. In the endeavour I was not repulsed; for nothing could surpass the
+friendliness he manifested towards both my companion and myself. He
+extended his sturdy limbs by our side, and endeavoured to make us
+comprehend the full extent of the kindly feelings by which he was
+actuated. The almost insuperable difficulty in communicating to one
+another our ideas, affected the chief with no little mortification. He
+evinced a great desire to be enlightened with regard to the customs and
+peculiarities of the far-off country we had left behind us, and to which,
+under the name of Maneeka, he frequently alluded.
+
+But that which more than any other subject engaged his attention, was the
+late proceedings of the "Franee," as he called the French, in the
+neighbouring bay of Nukuheva. This seemed a never-ending theme with him,
+and one concerning which he was never weary of interrogating us. All the
+information we succeeded in imparting to him on this subject was little
+more than that we had seen six men-of-war lying in the hostile bay at the
+time we had left it. When he received this intelligence, Mehevi, by the
+aid of his fingers, went through a long numerical calculation, as if
+estimating the number of Frenchmen the squadron might contain.
+
+It was just after employing his faculties in this way that he happened to
+notice the swelling in my limb. He immediately examined it with the utmost
+attention, and after doing so, despatched a boy, who happened to be
+standing by, with some message.
+
+After the lapse of a few moments the stripling re-entered the house with
+an aged islander, who might have been taken for old Hippocrates himself.
+His head was as bald as the polished surface of a cocoa-nut shell, which
+article it precisely resembled in smoothness and colour, while a long
+silvery beard swept almost to his girdle of bark. Encircling his temples
+was a bandeau of the twisted leaves of the Omoo tree, pressed closely over
+the brows to shield his feeble vision from the glare of the sun. His
+tottering steps were supported by a long slim staff, resembling the wand
+with which a theatrical magician appears on the stage, and in one hand he
+carried a freshly-plaited fan of the green leaflets of the cocoa-nut tree.
+A flowing robe of tappa, knotted over the shoulder, hung loosely round his
+stooping form, and heightened the venerableness of his aspect.
+
+Mehevi, saluting this old gentleman, motioned him to a seat between us,
+and then uncovering my limb, desired him to examine it. The leech gazed
+intently from me to Toby, and then proceeded to business. After diligently
+observing the ailing member, he commenced manipulating it; and on the
+supposition probably that the complaint had deprived the leg of all
+sensation, began to pinch and hammer it in such a manner that I absolutely
+roared with the pain. Thinking that I was as capable of making an
+application of thumps and pinches to the part as any one else, I
+endeavoured to resist this species of medical treatment. But it was not so
+easy a matter to get out of the clutches of the old wizard; he fastened on
+the unfortunate limb as if it were something for which he had been long
+seeking, and muttering some kind of incantation continued his discipline,
+pounding it after a fashion that set me well-nigh crazy; while Mehevi,
+upon the same principle which prompts an affectionate mother to hold a
+struggling child in a dentist's chair, restrained me in his powerful
+grasp, and actually encouraged the wretch in this infliction of torture.
+
+Almost frantic with rage and pain, I yelled like a bedlamite; while Toby,
+throwing himself into all the attitudes of a posture-master, vainly
+endeavoured to expostulate with the natives by signs and gestures. To have
+looked at my companion, as, sympathizing with my sufferings, he strove to
+put an end to them, one would have thought that he was the deaf and dumb
+alphabet incarnated. Whether my tormentor yielded to Toby's entreaties, or
+paused from sheer exhaustion, I do not know; but all at once he ceased his
+operations, and at the same time the chief relinquishing his hold upon me,
+I fell back, faint and breathless with the agony I had endured.
+
+My unfortunate limb was now left much in the same condition as a
+rump-steak after undergoing the castigating process which precedes
+cooking. My physician, having recovered from the fatigues of his
+exertions, as if anxious to make amends for the pain to which he had
+subjected me, now took some herbs out of a little wallet that was
+suspended from his waist, and moistening them in water, applied them to
+the inflamed part, stooping over it at the same time, and either
+whispering a spell, or having a little confidential chat with some
+imaginary demon located in the calf of my leg. My limb was now swathed in
+leafy bandages, and grateful to Providence for the cessation of
+hostilities, I was suffered to rest.
+
+Mehevi shortly after rose to depart; but before he went he spoke
+authoritatively to one of the natives, whom he addressed as Kory-Kory; and
+from the little I could understand of what took place, pointed him out to
+me as a man whose peculiar business henceforth would be to attend upon my
+person. I am not certain that I comprehended as much as this at the time,
+but the subsequent conduct of my trusty body-servant fully assured me that
+such must have been the case.
+
+I could not but be amused at the manner in which the chief addressed me
+upon this occasion, talking to me for at least fifteen or twenty minutes
+as calmly as if I could understand every word that he said. I remarked
+this peculiarity very often afterwards in many other of the islanders.
+
+Mehevi having now departed, and the family physician having likewise made
+his exit, we were left about sunset with the ten or twelve natives, who by
+this time I had ascertained composed the household of which Toby and I
+were members. As the dwelling to which we had been first introduced was
+the place of my permanent abode while I remained in the valley, and as I
+was necessarily placed upon the most intimate footing with its occupants,
+I may as well here enter into a little description of it and its
+inhabitants. This description will apply also to nearly all the other
+dwelling-places in the vale, and will furnish some idea of the generality
+of the natives.
+
+Near one side of the valley, and about midway up the ascent of a rather
+abrupt rise of ground waving with the richest verdure, a number of large
+stones were laid in successive courses, to the height of nearly eight
+feet, and disposed in such a manner that their level surface corresponded
+in shape with the habitation which was perched upon it. A narrow space,
+however, was reserved in front of the dwelling, upon the summit of this
+pile of stones (called by the natives a "pi-pi"), which, being enclosed by
+a little picket of canes, gave it somewhat the appearance of a verandah.
+The frame of the house was constructed of large bamboos planted uprightly,
+and secured together at intervals by transverse stalks of the light wood
+of the Habiscus, lashed with thongs of bark. The rear of the
+tenement--built up with successive ranges of cocoa-nut boughs bound one
+upon another, with their leaflets cunningly woven together--inclined a
+little from the vertical, and extended from the extreme edge of the
+"pi-pi" to about twenty feet from its surface; whence the shelving
+roof--thatched with the long tapering leaves of the palmetto--sloped steeply
+off to within about five feet of the floor; leaving the eaves drooping
+with tassel-like appendages over the front of the habitation. This was
+constructed of light and elegant canes, in a kind of open screen-work,
+tastefully adorned with bindings of variegated sinnate, which served to
+hold together its various parts. The sides of the house were similarly
+built; thus presenting three-quarters for the circulation of the air,
+while the whole was impervious to the rain.
+
+In length this picturesque building was perhaps twelve yards, while in
+breadth it could not have exceeded as many feet. So much for the exterior;
+which, with its wire-like reed-twisted sides, not a little reminded me of
+an immense aviary.
+
+Stooping a little, you passed through a narrow aperture in its front; and
+facing you, on entering, lay two long, perfectly straight, and
+well-polished trunks of the cocoa-nut tree, extending the full length of
+the dwelling; one of them placed closely against the rear, and the other
+lying parallel with it some two yards distant, the interval between them
+being spread with a multitude of gaily-worked mats, nearly all of a
+different pattern. This space formed the common couch and lounging-place
+of the natives, answering the purpose of a divan in Oriental countries.
+Here would they slumber through the hours of the night, and recline
+luxuriously during the greater part of the day. The remainder of the floor
+presented only the cool shining surfaces of the large stones of which the
+"pi-pi" was composed.
+
+From the ridge-pole of the house hung suspended a number of large packages
+enveloped in coarse tappa; some of which contained festival dresses, and
+various other matters of the wardrobe, held in high estimation. These were
+easily accessible by means of a line, which, passing over the ridge-pole,
+had one end attached to a bundle, while with the other, which led to the
+side of the dwelling and was there secured, the package could be lowered
+or elevated at pleasure.
+
+Against the farther wall of the house were arranged in tasteful figures a
+variety of spears and javelins, and other implements of savage warfare.
+Outside of the habitation, and built upon the piazza-like area in its
+front, was a little shed used as a sort of larder or pantry, and in which
+were stored various articles of domestic use and convenience. A few yards
+from the pi-pi was a large shed built of cocoa-nut boughs, where the
+process of preparing the "poee-poee" was carried on, and all culinary
+operations attended to.
+
+Thus much for the house, and its appurtenances; and it will be readily
+acknowledged that a more commodious and appropriate dwelling for the
+climate and the people could not possibly be devised. It was cool, free to
+admit the air, scrupulously clean, and elevated above the dampness and
+impurities of the ground.
+
+But now to sketch the inmates; and here I claim for my tried servitor and
+faithful valet Kory-Kory the precedence of a first description. As his
+character will be gradually unfolded in the course of my narrative, I
+shall for the present content myself with delineating his personal
+appearance. Kory-Kory, though the most devoted and best-natured
+serving-man in the world, was, alas! a hideous object to look upon. He was
+some twenty-five years of age, and about six feet in height, robust and
+well made, and of the most extraordinary aspect. His head was carefully
+shaven with the exception of two circular spots, about the size of a
+dollar, near the top of the cranium, where the hair, permitted to grow of
+an amazing length, was twisted up in two prominent knots, that gave him
+the appearance of being decorated with a pair of horns. His beard, plucked
+out by the root from every other part of his face, was suffered to droop
+in hairy pendants, two of which garnished his upper lip, and an equal
+number hung from the extremity of his chin.
+
+Kory-Kory, with the view of improving the handiwork of nature, and perhaps
+prompted by a desire to add to the engaging expression of his countenance,
+had seen fit to embellish his face with three broad longitudinal stripes
+of tattooing, which, like those country roads that go straight forward in
+defiance of all obstacles, crossed his nasal organ, descended into the
+hollow of his eyes, and even skirted the borders of his mouth. Each
+completely spanned his physiognomy; one extending in a line with his eyes,
+another crossing the face in the vicinity of the nose, and the third
+sweeping along his lips from ear to ear. His countenance thus triply
+hooped, as it were, with tattooing, always reminded me of those unhappy
+wretches whom I have sometimes observed gazing out sentimentally from
+behind the grated bars of a prison window; whilst the entire body of my
+savage valet, covered all over with representations of birds and fishes,
+and a variety of most unaccountable-looking creatures, suggested to me the
+idea of a pictorial museum of natural history, or an illustrated copy of
+Goldsmith's _Animated Nature_.
+
+But it seems really heartless in me to write thus of the poor islander,
+when I owe perhaps to his unremitting attentions the very existence I now
+enjoy. Kory-Kory, I mean thee no harm in what I say in regard to thy
+outward adornings; but they were a little curious to my unaccustomed
+sight, and therefore I dilate upon them. But to underrate or forget thy
+faithful services is something I could never be guilty of, even in the
+giddiest moment of my life.
+
+The father of my attached follower was a native of gigantic frame, and had
+once possessed prodigious physical powers; but the lofty form was now
+yielding to the inroads of time, though the hand of disease seemed never
+to have been laid upon the aged warrior. Marheyo--for such was his
+name--appeared to have retired from all active participation in the affairs
+of the valley, seldom or never accompanying the natives in their various
+expeditions; and employing the greater part of his time in throwing up a
+little shed just outside the house, upon which he was engaged to my
+certain knowledge for four months, without appearing to make any sensible
+advance. I suppose the old gentleman was in his dotage, for he manifested
+in various ways the characteristics which mark this particular stage of
+life.
+
+I remember in particular his having a choice pair of ear-ornaments,
+fabricated from the teeth of some sea-monster. These he would alternately
+wear and take off at least fifty times in the course of the day, going and
+coming from his little hut on each occasion with all the tranquillity
+imaginable. Sometimes slipping them through the slits in his ears, he
+would seize his spear--which in length and slightness resembled a
+fishing-pole--and go stalking beneath the shadows of the neighbouring
+groves, as if about to give a hostile meeting to some cannibal knight. But
+he would soon return again, and hiding his weapon under the protecting
+eaves of the house, and rolling his clumsy trinkets carefully in a piece
+of tappa, would resume his more pacific operations as quietly as if he had
+never interrupted them.
+
+But despite his eccentricities, Marheyo was a most paternal and
+warm-hearted old fellow, and in this particular not a little resembled his
+son Kory-Kory. The mother of the latter was the mistress of the family,
+and a notable housewife, and a most industrious old lady she was. If she
+did not understand the art of making jellies, jams, custards, tea-cakes,
+and such like trashy affairs, she was profoundly skilled in the mysteries
+of preparing "amar," "poee-poee," and "kokoo," with other substantial
+matters. She was a genuine busy-body; bustling about the house like a
+country landlady at an unexpected arrival; for ever giving the young girls
+tasks to perform, which the little hussies as often neglected; poking into
+every corner, and rummaging over bundles of old tappa, or making a
+prodigious clatter among the calabashes. Sometimes she might have been
+seen squatting upon her haunches in front of a huge wooden basin, and
+kneading poee-poee with terrific vehemence, dashing the stone pestle about
+as if she would shiver the vessel into fragments: on other occasions,
+galloping about the valley in search of a particular kind of leaf, used in
+some of her recondite operations, and returning home, toiling and
+sweating, with a bundle, under which most women would have sunk.
+
+To tell the truth, Kory-Kory's mother was the only industrious person in
+all the valley of Typee; and she could not have employed herself more
+actively had she been left an exceedingly muscular and destitute widow,
+with an inordinate supply of young children, in the bleakest part of the
+civilized world. There was not the slightest necessity for the greater
+portion of the labour performed by the old lady: but she deemed to work
+from some irresistible impulse; her limbs continually swaying to and fro,
+as if there were some indefatigable engine concealed within her body which
+kept her in perpetual motion.
+
+Never suppose that she was a termagant or a shrew for all this: she had
+the kindliest heart in the world, and acted towards me in particular in a
+truly maternal manner, occasionally putting some little morsel of choice
+food into my hand, some outlandish kind of savage sweetmeat or pastry,
+like a doting mother petting a sickly urchin with tarts and sugar-plums.
+Warm indeed are my remembrances of the dear, good, affectionate old Tinor!
+
+Besides the individuals I have mentioned, there belong to the household
+three young men, dissipated, good-for-nothing, roystering blades of
+savages, who were either employed in prosecuting love affairs with the
+maidens of the tribe, or grew boozy on "arva" and tobacco in the company
+of congenial spirits, the scapegraces of the valley.
+
+Among the permanent inmates of the house were likewise several lovely
+damsels, who instead of thrumming pianos and reading novels, like more
+enlightened young ladies, substituted for these employments the
+manufacture of a fine species of tappa; but for the greater portion of the
+time were skipping from house to house, gadding and gossiping with their
+acquaintances.
+
+From the rest of these, however, I must except the beauteous nymph
+Fayaway, who was my peculiar favourite. Her free pliant figure was the
+very perfection of female grace and beauty. Her complexion was a rich and
+mantling olive, and when watching the glow upon her cheeks I could almost
+swear that beneath the transparent medium there lurked the blushes of a
+faint vermilion. The face of this girl was a rounded oval, and each
+feature as perfectly formed as the heart or imagination of man could
+desire. Her full lips, when parted with a smile, disclosed teeth of a
+dazzling whiteness; and when her rosy mouth opened with a burst of
+merriment, they looked like the milk-white seeds of the "arta," a fruit of
+the valley, which, when cleft in twain, shows them reposing in rows on
+either side, embedded in the red and juicy pulp. Her hair of the deepest
+brown, parted irregularly in the middle, flowed in natural ringlets over
+her shoulders, and whenever she chanced to stoop, fell over and hid from
+view her lovely bosom. Gazing into the depths of her strange blue eyes,
+when she was in a contemplative mood, they seemed most placid yet
+unfathomable; but when illuminated by some lively emotion, they beamed
+upon the beholder like stars. The hands of Fayaway were as soft and
+delicate as those of any countess; for an entire exemption from rude
+labour marks the girlhood and even prime of a Typee woman's life. Her
+feet, though wholly exposed, were as diminutive and fairly shaped as those
+which peep from beneath the skirts of a Lima lady's dress. The skin of
+this young creature, from continual ablutions and the use of mollifying
+ointments, was inconceivably smooth and soft.
+
+I may succeed, perhaps, in particularizing some of the individual features
+of Fayaway's beauty, but that general loveliness of appearance which they
+all contributed to produce I will not attempt to describe. The easy
+unstudied graces of a child of nature like this, breathing from infancy an
+atmosphere of perpetual summer, and nurtured by the simple fruits of the
+earth; enjoying a perfect freedom from care and anxiety, and removed
+effectually from all injurious tendencies, strike the eye in a manner
+which cannot be portrayed. This picture is no fancy sketch; it is drawn
+from the most vivid recollections of the person delineated.
+
+Were I asked if the beauteous form of Fayaway was altogether free from the
+hideous blemish of tattooing, I should be constrained to answer that it
+was not. But the practitioners of this barbarous art, so remorseless in
+their inflictions upon the brawny limbs of the warriors of the tribe, seem
+to be conscious that it needs not the resources of their profession to
+augment the charms of the maidens of the vale.
+
+The females are very little embellished in this way, and Fayaway, and all
+the other young girls of her age, were even less so than those of their
+sex more advanced in years. The reason of this peculiarity will be alluded
+to hereafter. All the tattooing that the nymph in question exhibited upon
+her person may be easily described. Three minute dots, no bigger than
+pinheads, decorated either lip, and at a little distance were not at all
+discernible. Just upon the fall of the shoulder were drawn two parallel
+lines half an inch apart, and perhaps three inches in length, the interval
+being filled with delicately executed figures. These narrow bands of
+tattooing, thus placed, always reminded me of those stripes of gold lace
+worn by officers in undress, and which are in lieu of epaulettes to denote
+their rank.
+
+Thus much was Fayaway tattooed. The audacious hand which had gone so far
+in its desecrating work stopping short, apparently wanting the heart to
+proceed.
+
+But I have neglected to describe the dress worn by this nymph of the
+valley.
+
+Fayaway--I must avow the fact--for the most part clung to the primitive and
+summer garb of Eden. But how becoming the costume! It showed her fine
+figure to the best possible advantage; and nothing could have been better
+adapted to her peculiar style of beauty. On ordinary occasions she was
+habited precisely as I have described the two youthful savages whom we had
+met on first entering the valley. At other times, when rambling among the
+groves, or visiting at the houses of her acquaintances, she wore a tunic
+of white tappa, reaching from her waist to a little below the knees; and
+when exposed for any length of time to the sun, she invariably protected
+herself from its rays by a floating mantle of the same material, loosely
+gathered about the person. Her gala dress will be described hereafter.
+
+As the beauties of our own land delight in bedecking themselves with
+fanciful articles of jewelry, suspending them from their ears, hanging
+them about their necks, and clasping them around their wrists; so Fayaway
+and her companions were in the habit of ornamenting themselves with
+similar appendages.
+
+Flora was their jeweller. Sometimes they wore necklaces of small carnation
+flowers, strung like rubies upon a fibre of tappa, or displayed in their
+ears a single white bud, the stem thrust backward through the aperture,
+and showing in front the delicate petals folded together in a beautiful
+sphere, and looking like a drop of the purest pearl. Chaplets, too,
+resembling in their arrangement the strawberry coronal worn by an English
+peeress, and composed of intertwined leaves and blossoms, often crowned
+their temples; and bracelets and anklets of the same tasteful pattern were
+frequently to be seen. Indeed, the maidens of the island were passionately
+fond of flowers, and never wearied of decorating their persons with them;
+a lovely trait of character, and one that ere long will be more fully
+alluded to.
+
+Though in my eyes, at least, Fayaway was indisputably the loveliest female
+I saw in Typee, yet the description I have given of her will in some
+measure apply to nearly all the youthful portion of her sex in the valley.
+Judge ye then, reader, what beautiful creatures they must have been.
+
+
+
+
+
+                                CHAPTER XI
+
+
+    Officiousness of Kory-Kory--His devotion--A bath in the stream--Want
+      of refinement of the Typee damsels--Stroll with Mehevi--A Typee
+    highway--The Taboo groves--The hoolah hoolah ground--The Ti--Timeworn
+     savages--Hospitality of Mehevi--Midnight musings--Adventure in the
+         dark--Distinguished honours paid to the visitors--Strange
+             procession, and return to the house of Marheyo.
+
+
+When Mehevi had departed from the house, as related in the preceding
+chapter, Kory-Kory commenced the functions of the post assigned him. He
+brought us various kinds of food; and, as if I were an infant, insisted
+upon feeding me with his own hands. To this procedure I, of course, most
+earnestly objected, but in vain; and having laid a calabash of kokoo
+before me, he washed his fingers in a vessel of water, and then putting
+his hand into the dish, and rolling the food into little balls, put them
+one after another into my mouth. All my remonstrances against this measure
+only provoked so great a clamor on his part, that I was obliged to
+acquiesce; and the operation of feeding being thus facilitated, the meal
+was quickly despatched. As for Toby, he was allowed to help himself after
+his own fashion.
+
+The repast over, my attendant arranged the mats for repose, and, bidding
+me lie down, covered me with a large robe of tappa, at the same time
+looking approvingly upon me, and exclaiming, "Ki-Ki, muee muee, ah! moee
+moee mortarkee," (eat plenty, ah! sleep very good.) The philosophy of this
+sentiment I did not pretend to question; for deprived of sleep for several
+preceding nights, and the pain in my limb having much abated, I now felt
+inclined to avail myself of the opportunity afforded me.
+
+The next morning, on waking, I found Kory-Kory stretched out on one side
+of me, while my companion lay upon the other. I felt sensibly refreshed
+after a night of sound repose, and immediately agreed to the proposition
+of my valet that I should repair to the water and wash, although dreading
+the suffering that the exertion might produce. From this apprehension,
+however, I was quickly relieved; for Kory-Kory, leaping from the pi-pi,
+and then backing himself up against it, like a porter in readiness to
+shoulder a trunk, with loud vociferations, and a superabundance of
+gestures gave me to understand that I was to mount upon his back, and be
+thus transported to the stream, which flowed perhaps two hundred yards
+from the house.
+
+Our appearance upon the verandah in front of the habitation drew together
+quite a crowd, who stood looking on, and conversing with one another in
+the most animated manner. They reminded one of a group of idlers gathered
+about the door of a village tavern, when the equipage of some
+distinguished traveller is brought round previous to his departure. As
+soon as I clasped my arms about the neck of the devoted fellow, and he
+jogged off with me, the crowd--composed chiefly of young girls and
+boys--followed after, shouting and capering with infinite glee, and
+accompanied us to the banks of the stream.
+
+On gaining it, Kory-Kory, wading up to his hips in the water, carried me
+half-way across, and deposited me on a smooth black stone, which rose a
+few inches above the surface. The amphibious rabble at our heels plunged
+in after us; and, climbing to the summit of the grass-grown rocks, with
+which the bed of the brook was here and there broken, waited curiously to
+witness our morning ablutions. I felt somewhat embarrassed by the presence
+of the female portion of the company, but, nevertheless, removed my frock,
+and washed myself down to my waist in the stream. As soon as Kory-Kory
+comprehended from my motions that this was to be the extent of my
+performance, he appeared perfectly aghast with astonishment, and rushing
+toward me, poured out a torrent of words in eager deprecation of so
+limited an operation, enjoining me by unmistakable signs to immerse my
+whole body. To this I was forced to consent; and the honest fellow
+regarding me as a froward, inexperienced child, whom it was his duty to
+serve at the risk of offending, lifted me from, the rock, and tenderly
+bathed my limbs. This over, and resuming my seat, I could not avoid
+bursting into admiration of the scene around me.
+
+From the verdant surfaces of the large stones that lay scattered about,
+the natives were now sliding off into the water, diving and ducking
+beneath the surface in all directions; the young girls springing buoyantly
+into the air, with their long tresses dancing about their shoulders, their
+eyes sparkling like drops of dew in the sun, and their gay laughter
+pealing forth at every frolicsome incident.
+
+On the afternoon of the day that I took my first bath in the valley, we
+received another visit from Mehevi. The noble savage seemed to be in the
+same pleasant mood, and was quite as cordial in his manner as before.
+After remaining about an hour, he rose from the mats, and motioning to
+leave the house, invited Toby and myself to accompany him. I pointed to my
+leg; but Mehevi in his turn pointed to Kory-Kory, and removed that
+objection; so, mounting upon the faithful fellow's shoulders again--like
+the old man of the sea astride of Sinbad--I followed after the chief.
+
+The nature of the route we now pursued struck me more forcibly than
+anything I had yet seen, as illustrating the indolent disposition of the
+islanders. The path was obviously the most beaten one in the valley,
+several others leading from either side into it, and perhaps for
+successive generations it had formed the principal avenue of the place.
+And yet, until I grew more familiar with its impediments, it seemed as
+difficult to travel as the recesses of a wilderness. Part of it swept
+around an abrupt rise of ground, the surface of which was broken by
+frequent inequalities, and thickly strewn with projecting masses of rocks,
+whose summits were often hidden from view by the drooping foliage of the
+luxurious vegetation. Sometimes directly over, sometimes evading these
+obstacles with a wide circuit, the path wound along--one moment climbing
+over a sudden eminence, smooth with continued wear, then descending on the
+other side into a steep glen, and crossing the flinty channel of a brook.
+Here it pursued the depths of a glade, occasionally obliging you to stoop
+beneath vast horizontal branches; and now you stepped over huge trunks and
+boughs that lay rotting across the track.
+
+Such was the grand thoroughfare of Typee. After proceeding a little
+distance along it--Kory-Kory panting and blowing with the weight of his
+burden--I dismounted from his back, and grasping the long spear of Mehevi
+in my hand, assisted my steps over the numerous obstacles of the road;
+preferring this mode of advance to one which, from the difficulties of the
+way, was equally painful to myself and my wearied servitor.
+
+Our journey was soon at an end; for, scaling a sudden height, we came
+abruptly upon the place of our destination. I wish that it were possible
+to sketch in words this spot as vividly as I recollect it.
+
+Here were situated the Taboo groves of the valley--the scene of many a
+prolonged feast, of many a horrid rite. Beneath the dark shadows of the
+consecrated bread-fruit trees there reigned a solemn twilight--a
+cathedral-like gloom. The frightful genius of pagan worship seemed to
+brood in silence over the place, breathing its spell upon every object
+around. Here and there, in the depths of these awful shades, half screened
+from sight by masses of overhanging foliage, rose the idolatrous altars of
+the savages, built of enormous blocks of black and polished stone, placed
+one upon another, without cement, to the height of twelve or fifteen feet,
+and surmounted by a rustic open temple, enclosed with a low picket of
+canes, within which might be seen, in various stages of decay, offerings
+of bread-fruit and cocoa-nuts, and the putrefying relics of some recent
+sacrifice.
+
+In the midst of the wood was the hallowed "hoolah hoolah" ground--set apart
+for the celebration of the fantastical religious ritual of these
+people--comprising an extensive oblong pi-pi, terminating at either end in
+a lofty terraced altar, guarded by ranks of hideous wooden idols, and with
+the two remaining sides flanked by ranges of bamboo sheds, opening towards
+the interior of the quadrangle thus formed. Vast trees, standing in the
+middle of this space, and throwing over it an umbrageous shade, had their
+massive trunks built round with slight stages, elevated a few feet above
+the ground, and railed in with canes, forming so many rustic pulpits, from
+which the priests harangued their devotees.
+
+This holiest of spots was defended from profanation by the strictest
+edicts of the all-pervading "taboo," which condemned to instant death the
+sacrilegious female who should enter or touch its sacred precincts, or
+even so much as press with her feet the ground made holy by the shadows
+that it cast.
+
+Access was had to the enclosure through an embowered entrance on one side,
+facing a number of towering cocoa-nut trees, planted at intervals along a
+level area of a hundred yards. At the farther extremity of this space was
+to be seen a building of considerable size, reserved for the habitation of
+the priests and religious attendants of the grove.
+
+In its vicinity was another remarkable edifice, built as usual upon the
+summit of a pi-pi, and at least two hundred feet in length, though not
+more than twenty in breadth. The whole front of this latter structure was
+completely open, and from one end to the other ran a narrow verandah,
+fenced in on the edge of the pi-pi with a picket of canes. Its interior
+presented the appearance of an immense lounging-place, the entire floor
+being strewn with successive layers of mats, lying between parallel trunks
+of cocoa-nut trees, selected for the purpose from the straightest and most
+symmetrical the vale afforded.
+
+To this building, denominated in the language of the natives, the "Ti,"
+Mehevi now conducted us. Thus far we had been accompanied by a troop of
+the natives of both sexes; but as soon as we approached its vicinity, the
+females gradually separated themselves from the crowd, and standing aloof,
+permitted us to pass on. The merciless prohibitions of the taboo extended
+likewise to this edifice, and were enforced by the same dreadful penalty
+that secured the hoolah hoolah ground from the imaginary pollution of a
+woman's presence.
+
+On entering the house, I was surprised to see six muskets ranged against
+the bamboo on one side, from the barrels of which depended as many small
+canvas pouches, partly filled with powder. Disposed about these muskets,
+like the cutlasses that decorate the bulkhead of a man-of-war's cabin,
+were a great variety of rude spears and paddles, javelins, and war-clubs.
+This then, said I to Toby, must be the armoury of the tribe.
+
+As we advanced farther along the building, we were struck with the aspect
+of four or five hideous old wretches, on whose decrepid forms time and
+tattooing seemed to have obliterated every trace of humanity. Owing to the
+continued operation of this latter process, which only terminates among
+the warriors of the island after all the figures stretched upon their
+limbs in youth have been blended together--an effect, however, produced
+only in cases of extreme longevity--the bodies of these men were of a
+uniform dull green colour--the hue which the tattooing gradually assumes as
+the individual advances in age. Their skin had a frightful scaly
+appearance, which, united with its singular colour, made their limbs not a
+little resemble dusty specimens of verde-antique. Their flesh, in parts,
+hung upon them in huge folds, like the overlapping plaits on the flank of
+a rhinoceros. Their heads were completely bald, whilst their faces were
+puckered into a thousand wrinkles, and they presented no vestige of a
+beard. But the most remarkable peculiarity about them was the appearance
+of their feet; the toes, like the radiating lines of the mariner's
+compass, pointed to every quarter of the horizon. This was doubtless
+attributable to the fact, that during nearly a hundred years of existence
+the said toes never had been subjected to any artificial confinement, and
+in their old age, being averse to close neighbourhood, bid one another
+keep open order.
+
+These repulsive-looking creatures appeared to have lost the use of their
+lower limbs altogether; sitting upon the floor cross-legged, in a state of
+torpor. They never heeded us in the least, scarcely looking conscious of
+our presence, while Mehevi seated us upon the mats, and Kory-Kory gave
+utterance to some unintelligible gibberish.
+
+In a few moments, a boy entered with a wooden trencher of poee-poee; and
+in regaling myself with its contents, I was obliged again to submit to the
+officious intervention of my indefatigable servitor. Various other dishes
+followed, the chief manifesting the most hospitable importunity in
+pressing us to partake, and to remove all bashfulness on our part, set us
+no despicable example in his own person.
+
+The repast concluded, a pipe was lighted, which passed from mouth to
+mouth, and yielding to its soporific influence, the quiet of the place,
+and the deepening shadows of approaching night, my companion and I sank
+into a kind of drowsy repose, while the chief and Kory-Kory seemed to be
+slumbering beside us.
+
+I awoke from an uneasy nap, about midnight, as I supposed; and, raising
+myself partly from the mat, became sensible that we were enveloped in
+utter darkness. Toby lay still asleep, but our late companions had
+disappeared. The only sound that interrupted the silence of the place was
+the asthmatic breathing of the old men I have mentioned, who reposed at a
+little distance from us. Besides them, as well as I could judge, there was
+no one else in the house.
+
+Apprehensive of some evil, I roused my comrade, and we were engaged in a
+whispered conference concerning the unexpected withdrawal of the natives,
+when all at once, from the depths of the grove, in full view of us where
+we lay, shoots of flame were seen to rise, and in a few moments
+illuminated the surrounding trees, casting, by contrast, into still deeper
+gloom the darkness around us.
+
+While we continued gazing at this sight, dark figures appeared moving to
+and fro before the flames; while others, dancing and capering about,
+looked like so many demons.
+
+Regarding this new phenomenon with no small degree of trepidation, I said
+to my companion, "What can all this mean, Toby?"
+
+"Oh, nothing," replied he; "getting the fire ready, I suppose."
+
+"Fire!" exclaimed I, while my heart took to beating like a trip-hammer,
+"what fire?"
+
+"Why, the fire to cook us, to be sure; what else would the cannibals be
+kicking up such a row about, if it were not for that?"
+
+"Oh, Toby! have done with your jokes; this is no time for them: something
+is about to happen, I feel confident."
+
+"Jokes, indeed!" exclaimed Toby, indignantly. "Did you ever hear me joke?
+Why, for what do you suppose the devils have been feeding us up in this
+kind of style for during the last three days, unless it were for something
+that you are too much frightened at to talk about? Look at that Kory-Kory
+there!--has he not been stuffing you with his confounded mushes, just in
+the way they treat swine before they kill them? Depend upon it, we will be
+eaten this blessed night, and there is the fire we shall be roasted by."
+
+This view of the matter was not at all calculated to allay my
+apprehensions, and I shuddered when I reflected that we were indeed at the
+mercy of a tribe of cannibals, and that the dreadful contingency to which
+Toby had alluded was by no means removed beyond the bounds of possibility.
+
+"There! I told you so! they are coming for us!" exclaimed my companion the
+next moment, as the forms of four of the islanders were seen in bold
+relief against the illuminated background, mounting the pi-pi, and
+approaching us.
+
+They came on noiselessly, nay, stealthily, and glided along through the
+gloom that surrounded us, as if about to spring upon some object they were
+fearful of disturbing before they should make sure of it. Gracious Heaven!
+the horrible reflections which crowded upon me that moment! A cold sweat
+stood upon my brow, and spell-bound with terror, I awaited my fate.
+
+Suddenly the silence was broken by the well-remembered tones of Mehevi,
+and at the kindly accents of his voice, my fears were immediately
+dissipated. "Tommo, Toby, ki ki!" (eat). He had waited to address us,
+until he had assured himself that we were both awake, at which he seemed
+somewhat surprised.
+
+"Ki ki! is it?" said Toby, in his gruff tones; "well, cook us first, will
+you--but what's this?" he added, as another savage appeared, bearing before
+him a large trencher of wood, containing some kind of steaming meat, as
+appeared from the odours it diffused, and which he deposited at the feet
+of Mehevi. "A baked baby, I dare say! but I will have none of it, never
+mind what it is. A pretty fool I should make of myself, indeed, waked up
+here in the middle of the night, stuffing and guzzling, and all to make a
+fat meal for a parcel of bloody-minded cannibals one of these mornings!
+No; I see what they are at very plainly, so I am resolved to starve myself
+into a bunch of bones and gristle, and then, if they serve me up, they are
+welcome! But, I say, Tommo, you are not going to eat any of that mess
+there, in the dark, are you? Why, how can you tell what it is?"
+
+"By tasting it, to be sure," said I, masticating a morsel that Kory-Kory
+had just put in my mouth; "and excellently good it is, too, very much like
+veal."
+
+"A baked baby, by the soul of Captain Cook!" burst forth Toby, with
+amazing vehemence. "Veal? why, there never was a calf on the island till
+you landed. I tell you, you are bolting down mouthfuls from a dead
+Happar's carcass, as sure as you live, and no mistake!"
+
+Emetics and lukewarm water! What a sensation in the abdominal regions!
+Sure enough, where could the fiends incarnate have obtained meat? But I
+resolved to satisfy myself at all hazards; and turning to Mehevi, I soon
+made the ready chief understand that I wished a light to be brought. When
+the taper came, I gazed eagerly into the vessel, and recognized the
+mutilated remains of a juvenile porker! "Puarkee!" exclaimed Kory-Kory,
+looking complacently at the dish; and from that day to this I have never
+forgotten that such is the designation of a pig in the Typee lingo.
+
+The next morning, after being again abundantly feasted by the hospitable
+Mehevi, Toby and myself arose to depart. But the chief requested us to
+postpone our intention. "Abo, abo" (Wait, wait), he said, and accordingly
+we resumed our seats, while, assisted by the zealous Kory-Kory, he
+appeared to be engaged in giving directions to a number of the natives
+outside, who were busily employed in making arrangements, the nature of
+which we could not comprehend. But we were not left long in our ignorance,
+for a few moments only had elapsed, when the chief beckoned us to
+approach, and we perceived that he had been marshalling a kind of guard of
+honour to escort us on our return to the house of Marheyo.
+
+The procession was led off by two venerable-looking savages, each provided
+with a spear, from the end of which streamed a pennon of milk-white tappa.
+After them went several youths, bearing aloft calabashes of poee-poee; and
+followed in their turn by four stalwart fellows, sustaining long bamboos,
+from the tops of which hung suspended, at least twenty feet from the
+ground, large baskets of green bread-fruit. Then came a troop of boys,
+carrying bunches of ripe bananas, and baskets made of woven leaflets of
+cocoa-nut boughs, filled with the young fruit of the tree, the naked
+shells, stripped of their husks, peeping forth from the verdant
+wicker-work that surrounded them. Last of all came a burly islander,
+holding over his head a wooden trencher, in which lay disposed the
+remnants of our midnight feast, hidden from view, however, by a covering
+of bread-fruit leaves.
+
+Astonished as I was at this exhibition, I could not avoid smiling at its
+grotesque appearance, and the associations it naturally called up. Mehevi,
+it seemed, was bent on replenishing old Marheyo's larder, fearful,
+perhaps, that without this precaution his guests might not fare as well as
+they could desire.
+
+As soon as I descended from the pi-pi, the procession formed anew,
+enclosing us in its centre; where I remained, part of the time carried by
+Kory-Kory, and occasionally relieving him from his burden by limping along
+with a spear. When we moved off in this order, the natives struck up a
+musical recitative, which, with various alternations, they continued until
+we arrived at the place of our destination.
+
+As we proceeded on our way, bands of young girls, darting from the
+surrounding groves, hung upon our skirts, and accompanied us with shouts
+of merriment and delight, which almost drowned the deep notes of the
+recitative. On approaching old Marheyo's domicile, its inmates rushed out
+to receive us; and while the gifts of Mehevi were being disposed of, the
+superannuated warrior did the honours of his mansion with all the warmth
+of hospitality evinced by an English squire, when he regales his friends
+at some fine old patrimonial mansion.
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER XII
+
+
+    Attempt to procure relief from Nukuheva--Perilous adventure of Toby
+             in the Happar Mountains--Eloquence of Kory-Kory.
+
+
+Amidst these novel scenes a week passed away almost imperceptibly. The
+natives, actuated by some mysterious impulse, day after day redoubled
+their attention to us. Their manner towards us was unaccountable. Surely,
+thought I, they would not act thus if they meant us any harm. But why this
+excess of deferential kindness, or what equivalent can they imagine us
+capable of rendering them for it?
+
+We were fairly puzzled. But, despite the apprehensions I could not dispel,
+the horrible character imputed to these Typees appeared to be wholly
+undeserved.
+
+"Why, they are cannibals!" said Toby, on one occasion when I eulogized the
+tribe.
+
+"Granted," I replied, "but a more humane, gentlemanly, and amiable set of
+epicures do not probably exist in the Pacific."
+
+But, notwithstanding the kind treatment we received, I was too familiar
+with the fickle disposition of savages not to feel anxious to withdraw
+from the valley, and put myself beyond the reach of that fearful death
+which, under all these smiling appearances, might yet menace us. But here
+there was an obstacle in the way of doing so. It was idle for me to think
+of moving from the place until I should have recovered from the severe
+lameness that afflicted me; indeed my malady began seriously to alarm me;
+for, despite the herbal remedies of the natives, it continued to grow
+worse and worse. Their mild applications, though they soothed the pain,
+did not remove the disorder, and I felt convinced that, without better
+aid, I might anticipate long and acute suffering.
+
+But how was this aid to be procured? From the surgeons of the French
+fleet, which probably still lay in the bay of Nukuheva, it might easily
+have been obtained, could I have made my case known to them. But how could
+that be effected?
+
+At last, in the exigency to which I was reduced, I proposed to Toby that
+he should endeavour to go round to Nukuheva, and if he could not succeed
+in returning to the valley by water in one of the boats of the squadron,
+and taking me off, he might at least procure me some proper medicines, and
+effect his return overland.
+
+My companion listened to me in silence, and at first did not appear to
+relish the idea. The truth was, he felt impatient to escape from the
+place, and wished to avail himself of our present high favour with the
+natives to make good our retreat, before we should experience some sudden
+alterations in their behaviour. As he could not think of leaving me in my
+helpless condition, he implored me to be of good cheer; assured me that I
+should soon be better, and enabled in a few days to return with him to
+Nukuheva.
+
+Added to this, he could not bear the idea of again returning to this
+dangerous place; and as for the expectation of persuading the Frenchmen to
+detach a boat's crew for the purpose of rescuing me from the Typees, he
+looked upon it as idle; and, with arguments that I could not answer, urged
+the improbability of their provoking the hostilities of the clan by any
+such measure; especially as, for the purpose of quieting its
+apprehensions, they had as yet refrained from making any visit to the bay.
+"And even should they consent," said Toby, "they would only produce a
+commotion in the valley, in which we might both be sacrificed by these
+ferocious islanders." This was unanswerable; but still I clung to the
+belief that he might succeed in accomplishing the other part of my plan;
+and at last I overcame his scruples, and he agreed to make the attempt.
+
+As soon as we succeeded in making the natives understand our intention,
+they broke out into the most vehement opposition to the measure, and, for
+a while, I almost despaired of obtaining their consent. At the bare
+thought of one of us leaving them, they manifested the most lively
+concern. The grief and consternation of Kory-Kory, in particular, was
+unbounded; he threw himself into a perfect paroxysm of gestures, which
+were intended to convey to us, not only his abhorrence of Nukuheva and its
+uncivilized inhabitants, but also his astonishment that, after becoming
+acquainted with the enlightened Typees, we should evince the least desire
+to withdraw, even for a time, from their agreeable society.
+
+However, I overbore his objections by appealing to my lameness; from which
+I assured the natives I should speedily recover, if Toby were permitted to
+obtain the supplies I needed.
+
+It was agreed that on the following morning my companion should depart,
+accompanied by some one or two of the household, who should point out to
+him an easy route, by which the bay might be reached before sunset.
+
+At early dawn of the next day, our habitation was astir. One of the young
+men mounted into an adjoining cocoa-nut tree, and threw down a number of
+the young fruit, which old Marheyo quickly stripped of the green husks,
+and strung together upon a short pole. These were intended to refresh Toby
+on his route.
+
+The preparations being completed, with no little emotion I bade my
+companion adieu. He promised to return in three days at farthest; and,
+bidding me keep up my spirits in the interval, turned around the corner of
+the pi-pi, and, under the guidance of the venerable Marheyo, was soon out
+of sight. His departure oppressed me with melancholy, and, re-entering the
+dwelling, I threw myself almost in despair upon the matting of the floor.
+
+In two hours' time the old warrior returned, and gave me to understand,
+that after accompanying my companion a little distance, and showing him
+the route, he had left him journeying on his way.
+
+It was about noon of this same day, a season which these people are wont
+to pass in sleep, that I lay in the house, surrounded by its slumbering
+inmates, and painfully affected by the strange silence which prevailed.
+All at once I thought I heard a faint shout, as if proceeding from some
+persons in the depth of the grove which extended in front of our
+habitation.
+
+The sounds grew louder and nearer, and gradually the whole valley rang
+with wild outcries. The sleepers around me started to their feet in alarm,
+and hurried outside to discover the cause of the commotion. Kory-Kory, who
+had been the first to spring up, soon returned almost breathless, and
+nearly frantic with the excitement under which he seemed to be labouring.
+All that I could understand from him was, that some accident had happened
+to Toby. Apprehensive of some dreadful calamity, I rushed out of the
+house, and caught sight of a tumultuous crowd, who, with shrieks and
+lamentations, were just emerging from the grove, bearing in their arms
+some object, the sight of which produced all this transport of sorrow. As
+they drew near, the men redoubled their cries, while the girls, tossing
+their bare arms in the air, exclaimed plaintively, "Awha! awha! Toby
+muckee moee!"--Alas! alas! Toby is killed!
+
+In a moment the crowd opened, and disclosed the apparently lifeless body
+of my companion borne between two men, the head hanging heavily against
+the breast of the foremost. The whole face, neck, and bosom were covered
+with blood, which still trickled slowly from a wound behind the temple. In
+the midst of the greatest uproar and confusion, the body was carried into
+the house and laid on a mat. Waving the natives off to give room and air,
+I bent eagerly over Toby, and, laying my hand upon the breast, ascertained
+that the heart still beat. Overjoyed at this, I seized a calabash of
+water, and dashed its contents upon his face, then, wiping away the blood,
+anxiously examined the wound. It was about three inches long, and, on
+removing the clotted hair from about it, showed the skull laid completely
+bare. Immediately with my knife I cut away the heavy locks, and bathed the
+part repeatedly in water.
+
+In a few moments Toby revived, and opening his eyes for a second, closed
+them again, without speaking. Kory-Kory, who had been kneeling beside me,
+now chafed his limbs gently with the palms of his hands, while a young
+girl at his head kept fanning him, and I still continued to moisten his
+lips and brow. Soon my poor comrade showed signs of animation, and I
+succeeded in making him swallow from a cocoa-nut shell a few mouthfuls of
+water.
+
+  [Illustration: THE BODY WAS CARRIED INTO THE HOUSE AND LAID ON A MAT]
+
+Old Tinor now appeared, holding in her hand some simples she had gathered,
+the juice of which she by signs besought me to squeeze into the wound.
+Having done so, I thought it best to leave Toby undisturbed until he
+should have had time to rally his faculties. Several times he opened his
+lips, but, fearful for his safety, I enjoined silence. In the course of
+two or three hours however, he sat up, and was sufficiently recovered to
+tell me what had occurred.
+
+"After leaving the house with Marheyo," said Toby, "we struck across the
+valley, and ascended the opposite heights. Just beyond them, my guide
+informed me, lay the valley of Happar, while along their summits, and
+skirting the head of the vale, was my route to Nukuheva. After mounting a
+little way up the elevation my guide paused, and gave me to understand
+that he could not accompany me any farther, and by various signs intimated
+that he was afraid to approach any nearer the territories of the enemies
+of his tribe. He, however, pointed out my path, which now lay clearly
+before me, and, bidding me farewell, hastily descended the mountain.
+
+"Quite elated at being so near the Happars, I pushed up the acclivity, and
+soon gained its summit. It tapered up to a sharp ridge, from whence I
+beheld both the hostile valleys. Here I sat down and rested for a moment,
+refreshing myself with my cocoa-nuts. I was soon again pursuing my way
+along the height, when suddenly I saw three of the islanders, who must
+have just come out of Happar valley, standing in the path ahead of me.
+They were each armed with a heavy spear, and one, from his appearance, I
+took to be a chief. They sung out something, I could not understand what,
+and beckoned me to come on.
+
+"Without the least hesitation I advanced towards them, and had approached
+within about a yard of the foremost, when, pointing angrily into the Typee
+valley, and uttering some savage exclamation, he wheeled round his weapon
+like lightning, and struck me in a moment to the ground. The blow
+inflicted this wound, and took away my senses. As soon as I came to
+myself, I perceived the three islanders standing a little distance off,
+and apparently engaged in some violent altercation respecting me.
+
+"My first impulse was to run for it; but, in endeavouring to rise, I fell
+back, and rolled down a little grassy precipice. The shock seemed to rally
+my faculties; so, starting to my feet, I fled down the path I had just
+ascended. I had no need to look behind me, for, from the yells I heard, I
+knew that my enemies were in full pursuit. Urged on by their fearful
+outcries, and heedless of the injury I had received--though the blood
+flowing from the wound trickled over into my eyes and almost blinded me--I
+rushed down the mountain side with the speed of the wind. In a short time
+I had descended nearly a third of the distance, and the savages had ceased
+their cries, when suddenly a terrific howl burst upon my ear, and at the
+same moment a heavy javelin darted past me as I fled, and stuck quivering
+in a tree close to me. Another yell followed, and a second spear and a
+third shot through the air within a few feet of my body, both of them
+piercing the ground obliquely in advance of me. The fellows gave a roar of
+rage and disappointment; but they were afraid, I suppose, of coming down
+farther into the Typee valley, and so abandoned the chase. I saw them
+recover their weapons and turn back; and I continued my descent as fast as
+I could.
+
+"What could have caused this ferocious attack on the part of these Happars
+I could not imagine, unless it were that they had seen me ascending the
+mountain with Marheyo, and that the mere fact of coming from the Typee
+valley was sufficient to provoke them.
+
+"As long as I was in danger I scarcely felt the wound I had received; but
+when the chase was over I began to suffer from it. I had lost my hat in
+the flight, and the sun scorched my bare head. I felt faint and giddy;
+but, fearful of falling to the ground beyond the reach of assistance, I
+staggered on as well as I could, and at last gained the level of the
+valley, and then down I sunk; and I knew nothing more until I found myself
+lying upon these mats, and you stooping over me with the calabash of
+water."
+
+Such was Toby's account of this sad affair. I afterwards learned that
+fortunately he had fallen close to a spot where the natives go for fuel. A
+party of them caught sight of him as he fell, and, sounding the alarm, had
+lifted him up; and after ineffectually endeavouring to restore him at the
+brook, had hurried forward with him to the house.
+
+This incident threw a dark cloud over our prospects. It reminded us that
+we were hemmed in by hostile tribes, whose territories we could not hope
+to pass, on our route to Nukuheva, without encountering the effects of
+their savage resentment. There appeared to be no avenue opened to our
+escape but the sea, which washed the lower extremity of the vale.
+
+Our Typee friends availed themselves of the recent disaster of Toby to
+exhort us to a due appreciation of the blessings we enjoyed among them;
+contrasting their own generous reception of us with the animosity of their
+neighbours. They likewise dwelt upon the cannibal propensities of the
+Happars, a subject which they were perfectly aware could not fail to alarm
+us; while at the same time they earnestly disclaimed all participation in
+so horrid a custom. Nor did they omit to call upon us to admire the
+natural loveliness of their own abode, and the lavish abundance with which
+it produced all manner of luxuriant fruits; exalting it in this particular
+above any of the surrounding valleys.
+
+Kory-Kory seemed to experience so heartfelt a desire to infuse into our
+minds proper views on these subjects, that, assisted in his endeavours by
+the little knowledge of the language we had acquired, he actually made us
+comprehend a considerable part of what he said. To facilitate our correct
+apprehension of his meaning, he at first condensed his ideas into the
+smallest possible compass.
+
+"Happar keekeeno nuee," he exclaimed; "nuee, nuee, ki ki kannaka!--ah! owle
+motarkee!" which signifies, "Terrible fellows those Happars!--devour an
+amazing quantity of men!--ah, shocking bad!" Thus far he explained himself
+by a variety of gestures, during the performance of which he would dart
+out of the house, and point abhorrently towards the Happar valley; running
+in to us again with the rapidity that showed he was fearful we would lose
+one part of his meaning before he could complete the other; and continuing
+his illustrations by seizing the fleshy part of my arm in his teeth,
+intimating, by the operation, that the people who lived over in that
+direction would like nothing better than to treat me in that manner.
+
+Having assured himself that we were fully enlightened on this point, he
+proceeded to another branch of the subject. "Ah! Typee me! arkee!--nuee,
+nuee mioree--nuee, nuee wai nuee, nuee poee poee--nuee, nuee kokoo--ah! nuee,
+nuee kiki--ah! nuee, nuee, nuee!" Which, liberally interpreted as before,
+would imply, "Ah, Typee! isn't it a fine place though!--no danger of
+starving here, I tell you!--plenty of bread-fruit--plenty of water--plenty of
+pudding--ah! plenty of everything, ah! heaps, heaps, heaps!" All this was
+accompanied by a running commentary of signs and gestures which it was
+impossible not to comprehend.
+
+As he continued his harangue, however, Kory-Kory, in emulation of our more
+polished orators, began to launch out rather diffusely into other branches
+of his subject, enlarging probably upon the moral reflections it
+suggested; and proceeded in such a strain of unintelligible and stunning
+gibberish, that he actually gave me the headache for the rest of the day.
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER XIII
+
+
+    A great event happens in the valley--The island telegraph--Something
+         befalls Toby--Fayaway displays a tender heart--Melancholy
+       reflections--Mysterious conduct of the islanders--Devotion of
+    Kory-Kory--A rural couch--A luxury--Kory-Kory strikes a light _a la_
+                                  Typee.
+
+
+In the course of a few days Toby had recovered from the effects of his
+adventure with the Happar warriors; the wound on his head rapidly healing
+under the vegetable treatment of the good Tinor. Less fortunate than my
+companion, however, I still continued to languish under a complaint, the
+origin and nature of which was still a mystery. Cut off as I was from all
+intercourse with the civilized world, and feeling the inefficacy of
+anything the natives could do to relieve me; knowing, too, that so long as
+I remained in my present condition it would be impossible for me to leave
+the valley, whatever opportunity might present itself; and apprehensive
+that ere long we might be exposed to some caprice on the part of the
+islanders, I now gave up all hopes of recovery, and became a prey to the
+most gloomy thoughts. A deep dejection fell upon me, which neither the
+friendly remonstrances of my companion, the devoted attentions of
+Kory-Kory, nor all the soothing influences of Fayaway, could remove.
+
+One morning, as I lay on the mats in the house plunged in melancholy
+reverie, and regardless of everything around me, Toby, who had left me
+about an hour, returned in haste, and with great glee told me to cheer up
+and be of good heart, for he believed, from what was going on among the
+natives, that there were boats approaching the bay.
+
+These tidings operated upon me like magic. The hour of our deliverance was
+at hand, and, starting up, I was soon convinced that something unusual was
+about to occur. The word "botee! botee!" was vociferated in all
+directions; and shouts were heard in the distance, at first feebly and
+faintly, but growing louder and nearer at each successive repetition,
+until they were caught up by a fellow in a cocoa-nut tree a few yards off,
+who, sounding them in turn, they were reiterated from a neighbouring
+grove, and so died away gradually from point to point, as the intelligence
+penetrated into the farthest recesses of the valley. This was the vocal
+telegraph of the islanders; by means of which, condensed items of
+information could be carried in a very few minutes from the sea to their
+remotest habitation, a distance of at least eight or nine miles. On the
+present occasion it was in active operation, one piece of information
+following another with inconceivable rapidity.
+
+The greatest commotion now appeared to prevail. At every fresh item of
+intelligence the natives betrayed the liveliest interest, and redoubled
+the energy with which they employed themselves in collecting fruit to sell
+to the expected visitors. Some were tearing off the husks from cocoa-nuts;
+some, perched in the trees, were throwing down bread-fruit to their
+companions, who gathered them in heaps as they fell; while others were
+plying their fingers rapidly in weaving leafen baskets in which to carry
+the fruit.
+
+There were other matters, too, going on at the same time. Here you would
+see a stout warrior polishing his spear with a bit of old tappa, or
+adjusting the folds of the girdle about his waist; and there you might
+descry a young damsel decorating herself with flowers, as if having in her
+eye some maidenly conquest; while, as in all cases of hurry and confusion
+in every part of the world, a number of individuals kept hurrying to and
+fro with amazing vigour and perseverance, doing nothing themselves, and
+hindering others.
+
+Never before had we seen the islanders in such a state of bustle and
+excitement; and the scene furnished abundant evidence of the fact--that it
+was only at long intervals any such events occur.
+
+When I thought of the length of time that might intervene before a similar
+chance of escape would be presented, I bitterly lamented that I had not
+the power of availing myself effectually of the present opportunity.
+
+From all that we could gather, it appeared that the natives were fearful
+of arriving too late upon the beach, unless they made extraordinary
+exertions. Sick and lame as I was, I would have started with Toby at once,
+had not Kory-Kory not only refused to carry me, but manifested the most
+invincible repugnance to our leaving the neighbourhood of the house. The
+rest of the savages were equally opposed to our wishes, and seemed grieved
+and astonished at the earnestness of my solicitations. I clearly perceived
+that, while my attendant avoided all appearance of constraining my
+movements, he was nevertheless determined to thwart my wishes. He seemed
+to me on this particular occasion, as well as often afterwards, to be
+executing the orders of some other person with regard to me, though at the
+same time feeling towards me the most lively affection.
+
+Toby, who had made up his mind to accompany the islanders if possible as
+soon as they were in readiness to depart, and who for that reason had
+refrained from showing the same anxiety that I had done, now represented
+to me that it was idle for me to entertain the hope of reaching the beach
+in time to profit by any opportunity that might then be presented.
+
+"Do you not see," said he, "the savages themselves are fearful of being
+too late, and I should hurry forward myself at once, did I not think that,
+if I showed too much eagerness, I should destroy all our hopes of reaping
+any benefit from this fortunate event. If you will only endeavour to
+appear tranquil or unconcerned, you will quiet their suspicions, and I
+have no doubt they will then let me go with them to the beach, supposing
+that I merely go out of curiosity. Should I succeed in getting down to the
+boats, I will make known the condition in which I have left you, and
+measures may then be taken to secure our escape."
+
+In the expediency of this I could not but acquiesce; and as the natives
+had now completed their preparations, I watched with the liveliest
+interest the reception that Toby's application might meet with. As soon as
+they understood from my companion that I intended to remain, they appeared
+to make no objection to this proposition, and even hailed it with
+pleasure. Their singular conduct on this occasion not a little puzzled me
+at the time, and imparted to subsequent events an additional mystery.
+
+The islanders were now to be seen hurrying along the path which led to the
+sea. I shook Toby warmly by the hand, and gave him my Payta hat to shield
+his wounded head from the sun, as he had lost his own. He cordially
+returned the pressure of my hand, and, solemnly promising to return as
+soon as the boats should leave the shore, sprang from my side, and the
+next minute disappeared in a turn of the grove.
+
+In spite of the unpleasant reflections that crowded upon my mind, I could
+not but be entertained by the novel and animated sight which now met my
+view. One after another, the natives crowded along the narrow path, laden
+with every variety of fruit. Here, you might have seen one, who, after
+ineffectually endeavouring to persuade a surly porker to be conducted in
+leading-strings, was obliged at last to seize the perverse animal in his
+arms, and carry him struggling again his naked breast, and squealing
+without intermission. There went two, who at a little distance might have
+been taken for the Hebrew spies, on their return to Moses with the goodly
+bunch of grapes. One trotted before the other at a distance of a couple of
+yards, while between them, from a pole resting on their shoulders, was
+suspended a huge cluster of bananas, which swayed to and fro with the
+rocking gait at which they proceeded. Here ran another, perspiring with
+his exertions, and bearing before him a quantity of cocoa-nuts, who,
+fearful of being too late, heeded not the fruit that dropped from his
+basket, and appeared solely intent upon reaching his destination, careless
+how many of his cocoa-nuts kept company with him.
+
+In a short time the last straggler was seen hurrying on his way, and the
+faint shouts of those in advance died insensibly upon the ear. Our part of
+the valley now appeared nearly deserted by its inhabitants, Kory-Kory, his
+aged father, and a few decrepid old people being all that were left.
+
+Towards sunset, the islanders in small parties began to return from the
+beach, and among them, as they drew near to the house, I sought to descry
+the form of my companion. But one after another they passed the dwelling,
+and I caught no glimpse of him. Supposing, however, that he would soon
+appear with some of the members of the household, I quieted my
+apprehensions, and waited patiently to see him advancing, in company with
+the beautiful Fayaway. At last I perceived Tinor coming forward, followed
+by the girls and young men who usually resided in the house of Marheyo;
+but with them came not my comrade, and, filled with a thousand alarms, I
+eagerly sought to discover the cause of his delay.
+
+My earnest questions appeared to embarrass the natives greatly. All their
+accounts were contradictory: one giving me to understand that Toby would
+be with me in a very short time; another, that he did not know where he
+was; while a third, violently inveighing against him, assured me that he
+had stolen away, and would never come back. It appeared to me, at the
+time, that in making these various statements they endeavoured to conceal
+from me some terrible disaster, lest the knowledge of it should overpower
+me.
+
+Fearful lest some fatal calamity had overtaken him, I sought out young
+Fayaway, and endeavoured to learn from her, if possible, the truth.
+
+This gentle being had early attracted my regard, not only from her
+extraordinary beauty, but from the attractive cast of her countenance,
+singularly expressive of intelligence and humanity. Of all the natives,
+she alone seemed to appreciate the effect which the peculiarity of the
+circumstances in which we were placed had produced upon the minds of my
+companion and myself. In addressing me--especially when I lay reclining
+upon the mats suffering from pain--there was a tenderness in her manner
+which it was impossible to misunderstand or resist. Whenever she entered
+the house, the expression of her face indicated the liveliest sympathy for
+me; and moving towards the place where I lay, with one arm slightly
+elevated in a gesture of pity, and her large glistening eyes gazing
+intently into mine, she would murmur plaintively, "Awha! awha! Tommo," and
+seat herself mournfully beside me.
+
+Her manner convinced me that she deeply compassionated my situation, as
+being removed from my country and friends, and placed beyond the reach of
+all relief. Indeed, at times I was almost led to believe that her mind was
+swayed by gentle impulses hardly to be anticipated from one in her
+condition; that she appeared to be conscious there were ties rudely
+severed, which had once bound us to our homes; that there were sisters and
+brothers anxiously looking forward to our return, who were perhaps never
+more to behold us.
+
+In this amiable light did Fayaway appear in my eyes; and, reposing full
+confidence in her candour and intelligence, I now had recourse to her, in
+the midst of my alarm with regard to my companion.
+
+My questions evidently distressed her. She looked round from one to
+another of the bystanders, as if hardly knowing what answer to give me. At
+last, yielding to my importunities, she overcame her scruples, and gave me
+to understand that Toby had gone away with the boats which had visited the
+bay, but had promised to return at the expiration of three days. At first
+I accused him of perfidiously deserting me; but as I grew more composed, I
+upbraided myself for imputing so cowardly an action to him, and
+tranquillized myself with the belief that he had availed himself of the
+opportunity to go round to Nukuheva, in order to make some arrangement by
+which I could be removed from the valley. At any rate, thought I, he will
+return with the medicines I require, and then, as soon as I recover, there
+will be no difficulty in the way of our departure.
+
+Consoling myself with these reflections, I lay down that night in a
+happier frame of mind than I had done for some time. The next day passed
+without any allusion to Toby on the part of the natives, who seemed
+desirous of avoiding all reference to the subject. This raised some
+apprehensions in my breast; but, when night came, I congratulated myself
+that the second day had now gone by, and that on the morrow Toby would
+again be with me. But the morrow came and went, and my companion did not
+appear. Ah! thought I, he reckons three days from the morning of his
+departure--to-morrow he will arrive. But that weary day also closed upon me
+without his return. Even yet I would not despair. I thought that something
+detained him--that he was waiting for the sailing of a boat at Nukuheva,
+and that in a day or two, at farthest, I should see him again. But day
+after day of renewed disappointment passed by; at last hope deserted me,
+and I fell a victim to despair.
+
+Yes, thought I, gloomily, he has secured his own escape, and cares not
+what calamity may befall his unfortunate comrade. Fool that I was, to
+suppose that any one would willingly encounter the perils of this valley,
+after having once got beyond its limits! He has gone, and has left me to
+combat alone all the dangers by which I am surrounded. Thus would I
+sometimes seek to derive a desperate consolation from dwelling upon the
+perfidy of Toby; whilst, at other times, I sunk under the bitter remorse
+which I felt at having, by my own imprudence, brought upon myself the fate
+which I was sure awaited me.
+
+At other times I thought that perhaps, after all, these treacherous
+savages had made away with him, and thence the confusion into which they
+were thrown by my questions, and their contradictory answers; or he might
+be a captive in some other part of the valley; or, more dreadful still,
+might have met with that fate at which my very soul shuddered. But all
+these speculations were vain; no tidings of Toby ever reached me--he had
+gone never to return.
+
+The conduct of the islanders appeared inexplicable. All reference to my
+lost comrade was carefully evaded, and if at any time they were forced to
+make some reply to my frequent inquiries on the subject, they would
+uniformly denounce him as an ungrateful runaway, who had deserted his
+friend, and taken himself off to that vile and detestable place Nukuheva.
+
+But whatever might have been his fate, now that he was gone the natives
+multiplied their acts of kindness and attention towards myself, treating
+me with a degree of deference which could hardly have been surpassed had I
+been some celestial visitant. Kory-Kory never for one moment left my side,
+unless it were to execute my wishes. The faithful fellow, twice every day,
+in the cool of the morning and in the evening, insisted upon carrying me
+to the stream, and bathing me in its refreshing water.
+
+Frequently, in the afternoon, he would carry me to a particular part of
+the stream, where the beauty of the scene produced a soothing influence
+upon my mind. At this place the waters flowed between grassy banks,
+planted with enormous bread-fruit trees, whose vast branches, interlacing
+overhead, formed a leafy canopy; near the stream were several smooth black
+rocks. One of these, projecting several feet above the surface of the
+water, had upon its summit a shallow cavity, which, filled with
+freshly-gathered leaves, formed a delightful couch.
+
+Here I often laid for hours, covered with a gauze-like veil of tappa,
+while Fayaway, seated beside me, and holding in her hand a fan woven from
+the leaflets of a young cocoa-nut bough, brushed aside the insects that
+occasionally lighted on my face, and Kory-Kory, with a view of chasing
+away my melancholy, performed a thousand antics in the water before us.
+
+As my eye wandered along this romantic stream, it would fall upon the
+half-immersed figure of a beautiful girl, standing in the transparent
+water, and catching in a little net a species of diminutive shell-fish, of
+which these people are extravagantly fond. Sometimes a chattering group
+would be seated upon the edge of a low rock in the midst of the brook,
+busily engaged in thinning and polishing the shells of cocoa-nuts, by
+rubbing them briskly with a small stone in the water, an operation which
+soon converts them into a light and elegant drinking-vessel, somewhat
+resembling goblets made of tortoise-shell.
+
+But the tranquillizing influences of beautiful scenery, and the exhibition
+of human life under so novel and charming an aspect, were not my only
+sources of consolation.
+
+Every evening the girls of the house gathered about me on the mats, and,
+after chasing away Kory-Kory from my side--who, nevertheless, retired only
+to a little distance, and watched their proceedings with the most jealous
+attention--would anoint my body with a fragrant oil, squeezed from a yellow
+root, previously pounded between a couple of stones, and which in their
+language is denominated "aka." I used to hail with delight the daily
+recurrence of this luxurious operation, in which I forgot all my troubles,
+and buried for the time every feeling of sorrow.
+
+Sometimes, in the cool of the evening, my devoted servitor would lead me
+out upon the pi-pi in front of the house, and, seating me near its edge,
+protect my body from the annoyance of the insects which occasionally
+hovered in the air, by wrapping me round with a large roll of tappa. He
+then bustled about, and employed himself at least twenty minutes in
+adjusting everything to secure my personal comfort.
+
+Having perfected his arrangements, he would get my pipe, and, lighting it,
+would hand it to me. Often he was obliged to strike a light for the
+occasion; and as the mode he adopted was entirely different from what I
+had ever seen or heard of before, I will describe it.
+
+A straight, dry, and partly-decayed stick of the Habiscus, about six feet
+in length, and half as many inches in diameter, with a smaller bit of
+wood, not more than a foot long, and scarcely an inch wide, is as
+invariably to be met with in every house in Typee, as a box of lucifer
+matches in the corner of a kitchen-cupboard at home.
+
+The islander, placing the larger stick obliquely against some object, with
+one end elevated at an angle of forty-five degrees, mounts astride of it,
+like an urchin about to gallop off upon a cane, and then, grasping the
+smaller one firmly in both hands, he rubs its pointed end slowly up and
+down the extent of a few inches on the principal stick, until at last he
+makes a narrow groove in the wood, with an abrupt termination at the point
+farthest from him, where all the dusty particles which the friction
+creates are accumulated in a little heap.
+
+At first Kory-Kory goes to work quite leisurely, but gradually quickens
+his pace, and, waxing warm in the employment, drives the stick furiously
+along the smoking channel, plying his hands to and fro with amazing
+rapidity, the perspiration starting from every pore. As he approaches the
+climax of his effort, he pants and gasps for breath, and his eyes almost
+start from their sockets with the violence of his exertions. This is the
+critical stage of the operation; all his previous labours are vain if he
+cannot sustain the rapidity of the movement until the reluctant spark is
+produced. Suddenly he stops, becomes perfectly motionless. His hands still
+retain their hold of the smaller stick, which is pressed convulsively
+against the farther end of the channel, among the fine powder there
+accumulated, as if he had just pierced through and through some little
+viper that was wriggling and struggling to escape from his clutches. The
+next moment a delicate wreath of smoke curls spirally into the air, the
+heap of dusty particles glows with fire, and Kory-Kory, almost breathless,
+dismounts from his steed.
+
+This operation appeared to me to be the most laborious species of work
+performed in Typee; and had I possessed a sufficient intimacy with the
+language to have conveyed my ideas upon the subject, I should certainly
+have suggested to the most influential of the natives the expediency of
+establishing in a college of vestals, to be centrally located in the
+valley, for the purpose of keeping alive the indispensable article of
+fire, so as to supersede the necessity of such a vast outlay of strength
+and good temper as were usually squandered on these occasions. There
+might, however, be special difficulties in carrying this plan into
+execution.
+
+What a striking evidence does this operation furnish of the wide
+difference between the extreme of savage and civilized life! A gentleman
+of Typee can bring up a numerous family of children, and give them all a
+highly respectable cannibal education, with infinitely less toil and
+anxiety than he expends in the simple process of striking a light; whilst
+a poor European artisan, who through the instrumentality of a lucifer
+performs the same operation in one second, is put to his wit's end to
+provide for his starving offspring that food, which the children of a
+Polynesian father, without troubling their parents, pluck from the
+branches of every tree around them.
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER XIV
+
+
+         Kindness of Marheyo and the rest of the islanders--A full
+     description of the bread-fruit tree--Different modes of preparing
+                                the fruit.
+
+
+All the inhabitants of the valley treated me with great kindness; but as
+to the household of Marheyo, with whom I was now permanently domiciled,
+nothing could surpass their efforts to minister to my comfort. To the
+gratification of my palate they paid the most unwearied attention. They
+continually invited me to partake of food, and when after eating heartily
+I declined the viands they continued to offer me, they seemed to think
+that my appetite stood in need of some piquant stimulant to excite its
+activity.
+
+In pursuance of this idea, old Marheyo himself would hie him away to the
+sea-shore by the break of day, for the purpose of collecting various
+species of rare seaweed; some of which, among these people, are considered
+a great luxury. After a whole day spent in this employment, he would
+return about nightfall with several cocoa-nut shells filled with different
+descriptions of kelp. In preparing these for use, he manifested all the
+ostentation of a professed cook, although the chief mystery of the affair
+appeared to consist in pouring water in judicious quantities upon the
+slimy contents of his cocoa-nut shells.
+
+The first time he submitted one of these saline salads to my critical
+attention, I naturally thought that anything collected at such pains must
+possess peculiar merits; but one mouthful was a complete dose; and great
+was the consternation of the old warrior at the rapidity with which I
+ejected his epicurean treat.
+
+How true it is, that the rarity of any particular article enhances its
+value amazingly. In some part of the valley--I know not where, but probably
+in the neighbourhood of the sea--the girls were sometimes in the habit of
+procuring small quantities of salt, a thimble-full or so being the result
+of the united labours of a party of five or six employed for the greater
+part of the day. This precious commodity they brought to the house,
+enveloped in multitudinous folds of leaves; and as a special mark of the
+esteem in which they held me, would spread an immense leaf on the ground,
+and dropping one by one a few minute particles of the salt upon it, invite
+me to taste them.
+
+From the extravagant value placed upon the article, I verily believe, that
+with a bushel of common Liverpool salt, all the real estate in Typee might
+have been purchased. With a small pinch of it in one hand, and a quarter
+section of a bread-fruit in the other, the greatest chief in the valley
+would have laughed at all the luxuries of a Parisian table.
+
+The celebrity of the bread-fruit tree, and the conspicuous place it
+occupies in a Typee bill of fare, induces me to give at some length a
+general description of the tree, and the various modes in which the fruit
+is prepared.
+
+The bread-fruit tree, in its glorious prime, is a grand and towering
+object, forming the same feature in a Marquesan landscape that the
+patriarchal elm does in New England scenery. The latter tree it not a
+little resembles in height, in the wide spread of its stalwart branches,
+and in its venerable and imposing aspect.
+
+The leaves of the bread-fruit are of great size, and their edges are cut
+and scolloped as fantastically as those of a lady's lace collar. As they
+annually tend towards decay, they almost rival, in the brilliant variety
+of their gradually changing hues, the fleeting shades of the expiring
+dolphin. The autumnal tints of our American forests, glorious as they are,
+sink into nothing in comparison with this tree.
+
+The leaf, in one particular stage, when nearly all the prismatic colours
+are blended on its surface, is often converted by the natives into a
+superb and striking head-dress. The principal fibre traversing its length
+being split open a convenient distance, and the elastic sides of the
+aperture pressed apart, the head is inserted between them, the leaf
+drooping on one side, with its forward half turned jauntily up on the
+brows, and the remaining part spreading laterally behind the ears.
+
+The fruit somewhat resembles in magnitude and general appearance one of
+our citron melons of ordinary size; but, unlike the citron, it has no
+sectional lines drawn along the outside. Its surface is dotted all over
+with little conical prominences, looking not unlike the knobs on an
+antiquated church door. The rind is perhaps an eighth of an inch in
+thickness; and denuded of this, at the time when it is in the greatest
+perfection, the fruit presents a beautiful globe of white pulp, the whole
+of which may be eaten, with the exception of a slender core, which is
+easily removed.
+
+The bread-fruit, however, is never used, and is indeed altogether unfit to
+be eaten, until submitted in one form or other to the action of fire.
+
+The most simple manner in which this operation is performed, and, I think,
+the best, consists in placing any number of the freshly-plucked fruit,
+when in a particular state of greenness, among the embers of a fire, in
+the same way that you would roast a potato. After a lapse of ten or
+fifteen minutes, the green rind embrowns and cracks, showing through the
+fissures in its sides the milk-white interior. As soon as it cools the
+rind drops off, and you then have the soft round pulp in its purest and
+most delicious state. Thus eaten, it has a mild and pleasing flavour.
+
+Sometimes after having been roasted in the fire, the natives snatch it
+briskly from the embers, and permitting it to slip out of the yielding
+rind into a vessel of cold water, stir up the mixture, which they call
+"bo-a-sho." I never could endure this compound, and indeed the preparation
+is not greatly in vogue among the more polite Typees.
+
+There is one form, however, in which the fruit is occasionally served,
+that renders it a dish fit for a king. As soon as it is taken from the
+fire the exterior is removed, the core extracted, and the remaining part
+is placed in a sort of shallow stone mortar, and briskly worked with a
+pestle of the same substance. While one person is performing this
+operation, another takes a ripe cocoa-nut, and breaking it in half, which
+they also do very cleverly, proceeds to grate the juicy meat into fine
+particles. This is done by means of a piece of mother-of-pearl shell,
+lashed firmly to the extreme end of a heavy stick, with its straight side
+accurately notched like a saw. The stick is sometimes a grotesquely-formed
+limb of a tree, with three or four branches twisting from its body like so
+many shapeless legs, and sustaining it two or three feet from the ground.
+
+The native, first placing a calabash beneath the nose, as it were, of his
+curious-looking log-steed, for the purpose of receiving the grated
+fragments as they fall, mounts astride of it as if it were a hobby-horse,
+and twirling the inside of one of his hemispheres of cocoa-nut around the
+sharp teeth of the mother-of-pearl shell, the pure white meat falls in
+snowy showers into the receptacle provided. Having obtained a quantity
+sufficient for his purpose, he places it in a bag made of the net-like
+fibrous substance attached to all cocoa-nut trees, and compressing it over
+the bread-fruit, which being now sufficiently pounded, is put into a
+wooden bowl--extracts a thick creamy milk. The delicious liquid soon
+bubbles round the fruit, and leaves it at last just peeping above its
+surface.
+
+This preparation is called "kokoo," and a most lucious preparation it is.
+The hobby-horse and the pestle and mortar were in great requisition during
+the time I remained in the house of Marheyo, and Kory-Kory had frequent
+occasion to show his skill in their use.
+
+But the great staple articles of food into which the bread-fruit is
+converted by these natives are known respectively by the names of Amar and
+Poee-Poee.
+
+At a certain season of the year, when the fruit of the hundred groves of
+the valley has reached its maturity, and hangs in golden spheres from
+every branch, the islanders assemble in harvest groups, and garner in the
+abundance which surrounds them. The trees are stripped of their nodding
+burdens, which, easily freed from the rind and core, are gathered together
+in capacious wooden vessels, where the pulpy fruit is soon worked by a
+stone pestle, vigorously applied, into a blended mass of a doughy
+consistency called by the natives "Tutao." This is then divided into
+separate parcels, which, after being made up into stout packages,
+enveloped in successive folds of leaves, and bound round with thongs of
+bark, are stored away in large receptacles hollowed in the earth, from
+whence they are drawn as occasion may require.
+
+In this condition the Tutao sometimes remains for years, and even is
+thought to improve by age. Before it is fit to be eaten, however, it has
+to undergo an additional process. A primitive oven is scooped in the
+ground, and its bottom being loosely covered with stones, a large fire is
+kindled within it. As soon as the requisite degree of heat is attained,
+the embers are removed, and the surface of the stones being covered with
+thick layers of leaves, one of the large packages of Tutao is deposited
+upon them, and overspread with another layer of leaves. The whole is then
+quickly heaped up with earth, and forms a sloping mound.
+
+The Tutao thus baked is called "Amar"; the action of the oven having
+converted it into an amber-coloured caky substance, a little tart, but not
+at all disagreeable to the taste.
+
+By another and final process the "Amar" is changed into "Poee-Poee." This
+transition is rapidly effected. The amar is placed in a vessel, and mixed
+with water until it gains a proper pudding-like consistency, when, without
+further preparation, it is in readiness for use. This is the form in which
+the "Tutao" is generally consumed. The singular mode of eating it I have
+already described.
+
+Were it not that the bread-fruit is thus capable of being preserved for a
+length of time, the natives might be reduced to a state of starvation;
+for, owing to some unknown cause, the trees sometimes fail to bear fruit;
+and on such occasions the islanders chiefly depend upon the supplies they
+have been enabled to store away.
+
+This stately tree, which is rarely met with upon the Sandwich Islands, and
+then only of a very inferior quality, and at Tahiti does not abound to a
+degree that renders its fruit the principal article of food, attains its
+greatest excellence in the genial climate of the Marquesan group, where it
+grows to an enormous magnitude, and flourishes in the utmost abundance.
+
+
+
+
+
+                                CHAPTER XV
+
+
+          Melancholy condition--Occurrence at the Ti--Anecdote of
+                  Marheyo--Shaving the head of a warrior.
+
+
+In looking back to this period, and calling to remembrance the numberless
+proofs of kindness and respect which I received from the natives of the
+valley, I can scarcely understand how it was that, in the midst of so many
+consolatory circumstances, my mind should still have been consumed by the
+most dismal forebodings, and have remained a prey to the profoundest
+melancholy. It is true that the suspicious circumstances which had
+attended the disappearance of Toby were enough of themselves to excite
+distrust with regard to the savages, in whose power I felt myself to be
+entirely placed, especially when it was combined with the knowledge that
+these very men, kind and respectful as they were to me, were, after all,
+nothing better than a set of cannibals.
+
+But my chief source of anxiety, and that which poisoned every temporary
+enjoyment, was the mysterious disease in my leg, which still remained
+unabated. All the herbal applications of Tinor, united with the severer
+discipline of the old leech, and the affectionate nursing of Kory-Kory,
+had failed to relieve me. I was almost a cripple, and the pain I endured
+at intervals was agonizing. The unaccountable malady showed no signs of
+amendment; on the contrary, its violence increased day by day, and
+threatened the most fatal results, unless some powerful means were
+employed to counteract it. It seemed as if I were destined to sink under
+this grievous affliction, or at least that it would hinder me from
+availing myself of any opportunity of escaping from the valley.
+
+An incident which occurred as nearly as I can estimate about three weeks
+after the disappearance of Toby, convinced me that the natives, from some
+reason or other, would interpose every possible obstacle to my leaving
+them.
+
+One morning there was no little excitement evinced by the people near my
+abode, and which I soon discovered proceeded from a vague report that
+boats had been seen at a great distance approaching the bay. Immediately
+all was bustle and animation. It so happened that day that the pain I
+suffered having somewhat abated, and feeling in much better spirits than
+usual, I had complied with Kory-Kory's invitation to visit the chief
+Mehevi at the place called the "Ti," which I have before described as
+being situated within the precincts of the Taboo groves. These sacred
+recesses were at no great distance from Marheyo's habitation, and lay
+between it and the sea; the path that conducted to the beach passing
+directly in front of the Ti, and thence skirting along the border of the
+groves.
+
+I was reposing upon the mats, within the sacred building, in company with
+Mehevi and several other chiefs, when the announcement was first made. It
+sent a thrill of joy through my whole frame;--perhaps Toby was about to
+return. I rose at once to my feet, and my instinctive impulse was to hurry
+down to the beach, equally regardless of the distance that separated me
+from it, and of my disabled condition. As soon as Mehevi noticed the
+effect the intelligence had produced upon me, and the impatience I
+betrayed to reach the sea, his countenance assumed that inflexible
+rigidity of expression which had so awed me on the afternoon of our
+arrival at the house of Marheyo, As I was proceeding to leave the Ti, he
+laid his hand upon my shoulder, and said gravely, "abo, abo" (wait, wait).
+Solely intent upon the one thought that occupied my mind, and heedless of
+his request, I was brushing past him, when suddenly he reassumed a tone of
+authority, and told me to "moee" (sit down). Though struck by the
+alteration in his demeanour, the excitement under which I laboured was too
+strong to permit me to obey the unexpected command, and I was still
+limping towards the edge of the pi-pi with Kory-Kory clinging to one arm
+in his efforts to restrain me when the natives around me started to their
+feet, ranged themselves along the open front of the building, while Mehevi
+looked at me scowlingly, and reiterated his commands still more sternly.
+
+It was at this moment, when fifty savage countenances were glaring upon
+me, that I first truly experienced I was indeed a captive in the valley.
+The conviction rushed upon me with staggering force, and I was overwhelmed
+by this confirmation of my worst fears. I saw at once that it was useless
+for me to resist, and sick at heart, I reseated myself upon the mats, and
+for the moment abandoned myself to despair.
+
+I now perceived the natives one after the other hurrying past the Ti and
+pursuing the route that conducted to the sea. These savages, thought I,
+will soon be holding communication with some of my own countrymen perhaps,
+who with ease could restore me to liberty did they know of the situation I
+was in. No language can describe the wretchedness which I felt; and in the
+bitterness of my soul I imprecated a thousand curses on the perfidious
+Toby, who had thus abandoned me to destruction. It was in vain that
+Kory-Kory tempted me with food, or lighted my pipe, or sought to attract
+my attention by performing the uncouth antics that had sometimes diverted
+me. I was fairly knocked down by this last misfortune, which, much as I
+had feared it, I had never before had the courage calmly to contemplate.
+
+Regardless of everything but my own sorrow, I remained in the Ti for
+several hours, until shouts proceeding at intervals from the groves beyond
+the house proclaimed the return of the natives from the beach.
+
+Whether any boats visited the bay that morning or not, I never could
+ascertain. The savages assured me that there had not--but I was inclined to
+believe that by deceiving me in this particular they sought to allay the
+violence of my grief. However that might be, this incident showed plainly
+that the Typees intended to hold me a prisoner. As they still treated me
+with the same sedulous attention as before, I was utterly at a loss how to
+account for their singular conduct. Had I been in a situation to instruct
+them in any of the rudiments of the mechanic arts, or had I manifested a
+disposition to render myself in any way useful among them, their conduct
+might have been attributed to some adequate motive, but as it was, the
+matter seemed to me inexplicable.
+
+During my whole stay on the island there occurred but two or three
+instances where the natives applied to me with the view of availing
+themselves of my superior information; and these now appear so ludicrous
+that I cannot forbear relating them.
+
+The few things we had brought from Nukuheva had been done up into a small
+bundle which we had carried with us in our descent to the valley. This
+bundle, the first night of our arrival, I had used as a pillow, but on the
+succeeding morning, opening it for the inspection of the natives, they
+gazed upon the miscellaneous contents as though I had just revealed to
+them a casket of diamonds, and they insisted that so precious a treasure
+should be properly secured. A line was accordingly attached to it, and the
+other end being passed over the ridge-pole of the house, it was hoisted up
+to the apex of the roof, where it hung suspended directly over the mats
+where I usually reclined. When I desired anything from it I merely raised
+my finger to a bamboo beside me, and taking hold of the string which was
+there fastened, lowered the package. This was exceedingly handy, and I
+took care to let the natives understand how much I applauded the
+invention. Of this package the chief contents were a razor with its case,
+a supply of needles and thread, a pound or two of tobacco, and a few yards
+of a bright-coloured calico.
+
+I should have mentioned, that shortly after Toby's disappearance,
+perceiving the uncertainty of the time I might be obliged to remain in the
+valley,--if, indeed, I ever should escape from it,--and considering that my
+whole wardrobe consisted of a shirt and a pair of trousers, I resolved to
+doff these garments at once, in order to preserve them in a suitable
+condition for wear, should I again appear among civilized beings. I was
+consequently obliged to assume the Typee costume, a little altered,
+however, to suit my own views of propriety, and in which I have no doubt I
+appeared to as much advantage as a senator of Rome enveloped in the folds
+of his toga. A few folds of yellow tappa, tucked about my waist, descended
+to my feet in the style of a lady's petticoat, only I did not have
+recourse to those voluminous paddings in the rear with which our gentle
+dames are in the habit of augmenting the sublime rotundity of their
+figures. This usually comprised my in-door dress: whenever I walked out, I
+superadded to it an ample robe of the same material, which completely
+enveloped my person, and screened it from the rays of the sun.
+
+One morning I made a rent in this mantle; and to show the islanders with
+what facility it could be repaired, I lowered my bundle, and taking from
+it a needle and thread, proceeded to stitch up the opening. They regarded
+this wonderful application of science with intense admiration; and whilst
+I was stitching away, old Marheyo, who was one of the lookers-on, suddenly
+clapped his hand to his forehead, and rushing to a corner of the house,
+drew forth a soiled and tattered strip of faded calico--which he must have
+procured some time or other in traffic on the beach--and besought me
+eagerly to exercise a little of my art upon it. I willingly complied,
+though certainly so stumpy a needle as mine never took such gigantic
+strides over calico before. The repairs completed, old Marheyo gave me a
+paternal hug; and divesting himself of his "maro" (girdle), swathed the
+calico about his loins, and slipping the beloved ornaments into his ears,
+grasped his spear and sallied out of the house, like a valiant Templar
+arrayed in a new and costly suit of armour.
+
+I never used my razor during my stay in the island, but, although a very
+subordinate affair, it had been vastly admired by the Typees; and
+Narmonee, a great hero among them, who was exceedingly precise in the
+arrangements of his toilet and the general adjustment of his person, being
+the most accurately tattooed and laboriously horrified individual in all
+the valley, thought it would be a great advantage to have it applied to
+the already shaven crown of his head.
+
+The implement they usually employ is a shark's tooth, which is about as
+well adapted to the purpose as a one-pronged fork for pitching hay. No
+wonder, then, that the acute Narmonee perceived the advantage my razor
+possessed over the usual implement. Accordingly, one day, he requested as
+a personal favour, that I would just run over his head with the razor. In
+reply, I gave him to understand that it was too dull, and could not be
+used to any purpose without being previously sharpened. To assist my
+meaning, I went through an imaginary honing process on the palm of my
+hand. Narmonee took my meaning in an instant, and running out of the
+house, returned the next moment with a huge rough mass of rock as big as a
+millstone, and indicated to me that that was exactly the thing I wanted.
+Of course there was nothing left for me but to proceed to business, and I
+began scraping away at a great rate. He writhed and wriggled under the
+infliction, but, fully convinced of my skill, endured the pain like a
+martyr.
+
+Though I never saw Narmonee in battle, I will, from what I then observed,
+stake my life upon his courage and fortitude. Before commencing
+operations, his head had presented a surface of short bristling hairs, and
+by the time I had concluded my unskilful operation it resembled not a
+little a stubble field after being gone over with a harrow. However, as
+the chief expressed the liveliest satisfaction at the result, I was too
+wise to dissent from his opinion.
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER XVI
+
+
+        Improvement in health and spirits--Felicity of the Typees--A
+          skirmish in the mountain with the warriors of Happar.
+
+
+Day after day wore on, and still there was no perceptible change in the
+conduct of the islanders towards me. Gradually I lost all knowledge of the
+regular recurrence of the days of the week, and sunk insensibly into that
+kind of apathy which ensues after some violent outbreak of despair. My
+limb suddenly healed, the swelling went down, the pain subsided, and I had
+every reason to suppose I should soon completely recover from the
+affliction that had so long tormented me.
+
+As soon as I was enabled to ramble about the valley in company with the
+natives, troops of whom followed me whenever I sallied out of the house, I
+began to experience an elasticity of mind which placed me beyond the reach
+of those dismal forebodings to which I had so lately been a prey. Received
+wherever I went with the most deferential kindness; regaled perpetually
+with the most delightful fruits; ministered to by dark-eyed nymphs; and
+enjoying besides all the services of the devoted Kory-Kory, I thought
+that, for a sojourn among cannibals, no man could have well made a more
+agreeable one.
+
+To be sure, there were limits set to my wanderings. Toward the sea, my
+progress was barred by an express prohibition of the savages; and after
+having made two or three ineffectual attempts to reach it, as much to
+gratify my curiosity as anything else, I gave up the idea. It was in vain
+to think of reaching it by stealth, since the natives escorted me in
+numbers wherever I went, and not for one single moment that I can recall
+to mind was I ever permitted to be alone.
+
+The green and precipitous elevations that stood ranged around the head of
+the vale where Marheyo's habitation was situated, effectually precluded
+all hope of escape in that quarter, even if I could have stolen away from
+the thousand eyes of the savages.
+
+But these reflections now seldom obtruded upon me; I gave myself up to the
+passing hour, and if ever disagreeable thoughts arose in my mind, I drove
+them away. When I looked around the verdant recess in which I was buried,
+and gazed up to the summits of the lofty eminence that hemmed me in, I was
+well disposed to think that I was in the "Happy Valley," and that beyond
+those heights there was nought but a world of care and anxiety.
+
+In this frame of mind, every object that presented itself to my notice
+struck me in a new light, and the opportunities I now enjoyed of observing
+the manners of the natives, tended to strengthen my favourable
+impressions. One peculiarity that fixed my admiration was the perpetual
+hilarity reigning through the whole extent of the vale. There seemed to be
+no cares, griefs, troubles, or vexations in all Typee. The hours tripped
+along as gaily as the laughing couples down a country dance.
+
+There were none of those thousand sources of irritation that the ingenuity
+of civilized man has created to mar his own felicity. There were no
+foreclosures of mortgages, no protested notes, no bills payable, no debts
+of honour, in Typee; no unreasonable tailors and shoemakers, perversely
+bent on being paid; no duns of any description; no assault and battery
+attorneys, to foment discord, backing their clients up to a quarrel, and
+then knocking their heads together; no poor relations everlastingly
+occupying the spare bed-chamber, and diminishing the elbow-room at the
+family table; no destitute widows with their children starving on the cold
+charities of the world; no beggars; no debtor's prisons; no proud and
+hard-hearted nabobs in Typee; or, to sum up all in one word--no Money! That
+"root of all evil" was not to be found in the valley.
+
+In this secluded abode of happiness there were no cross old women, no
+cruel step-dames, no withered spinsters, no love-sick maidens, no sour old
+bachelors, no inattentive husbands, no melancholy young men, no blubbering
+youngsters, and no squalling brats. All was mirth, fun, and high good
+humour. Blue devils, hypochondria, and doleful dumps went and hid
+themselves among the nooks and crannies of the rocks.
+
+Here you would see a parcel of children frolicking together the live-long
+day, and no quarrelling, no contention among them. The same number in our
+own land could not have played together for the space of an hour without
+biting or scratching one another. There you might have seen a throng of
+young females, not filled with envyings of each other's charms, nor
+displaying the ridiculous affectations of gentility, nor yet moving in
+whalebone corsets, like so many automatons, but free, inartificially happy
+and unconstrained.
+
+There were some spots in that sunny vale where they would frequently
+resort to decorate themselves with garlands of flowers. To have seen them
+reclining beneath the shadows of one of the beautiful groves, the ground
+about them strewn with freshly gathered buds and blossoms, employed in
+weaving chaplets and necklaces, one would have thought that all the train
+of Flora had gathered together to keep a festival in honour of their
+mistress.
+
+With the young men there seemed almost always some matter of diversion or
+business on hand, that afforded a constant variety of enjoyment. But
+whether fishing, or carving canoes, or polishing their ornaments, never
+was there exhibited the least sign of strife or contention among them.
+
+As for the warriors, they maintained a tranquil dignity of demeanour,
+journeying occasionally from house to house, where they were always sure
+to be received with the attention bestowed upon distinguished guests. The
+old men, of whom there were many in the vale, seldom stirred from their
+mats, where they would recline for hours and hours, smoking and talking to
+one another with all the garrulity of age.
+
+But the continual happiness which, so far as I was able to judge, appeared
+to prevail in the valley, sprung principally from that all-pervading
+sensation which Rousseau has told us he at one time experienced, the mere
+buoyant sense of a healthful physical existence. And, indeed, in this
+particular the Typees had ample reason to felicitate themselves, for
+sickness was almost unknown. During the whole period of my stay, I saw but
+one invalid among them; and on their smooth clear skins you observed no
+blemish or mark of disease.
+
+The general repose, however, upon which I have just been descanting, was
+broken in upon about this time by an event, which proved that the
+islanders were not entirely exempt from those occurrences which disturb
+the quiet of more civilized communities.
+
+Having now been a considerable time in the valley, I began to feel
+surprised that the violent hostility subsisting between its inhabitants
+and those of the adjoining bay of Happar, should never have manifested
+itself in any warlike encounter. Although the valiant Typees would often,
+by gesticulations, declare their undying hatred against their enemies, and
+the disgust they felt at their cannibal propensities; although they
+dilated upon the manifold injuries they had received at their hands, yet,
+with a forbearance truly commendable, they appeared patiently to sit down
+under their grievances, and to refrain from making any reprisals. The
+Happars, entrenched behind their mountains, and never even showing
+themselves on their summits, did not appear to me to furnish adequate
+cause for that excess of animosity evinced towards them by the heroic
+tenants of our vale, and I was inclined to believe that the deeds of blood
+attributed to them had been greatly exaggerated.
+
+On the other hand, as the clamours of war had not up to this period
+disturbed the serenity of the tribe, I began to distrust the truth of
+those reports which ascribed so fierce and belligerent a character to the
+Typee nation. Surely, thought I, all these terrible stories I have heard
+about the inveteracy with which they carried on the feud, their deadly
+intensity of hatred, and the diabolical malice with which they glutted
+their revenge upon the inanimate forms of the slain, are nothing more than
+fables, and I must confess that I experienced something like a sense of
+regret at having my hideous anticipations thus disappointed. I felt in
+some sort like a 'prentice boy who, going to the play in the expectation
+of being delighted with a cut-and-thrust tragedy, is almost moved to tears
+of disappointment at the exhibition of a genteel comedy.
+
+I could not avoid thinking that I had fallen in with a greatly traduced
+people, and I moralized not a little upon the disadvantage of having a bad
+name, which in this instance had given a tribe of savages, who were as
+pacific as so many lambkins, the reputation of a confederacy of
+giant-killers.
+
+But subsequent events proved that I had been a little too premature in
+coming to this conclusion. One day, about noon, happening to be at the Ti,
+I had lain down on the mats with several of the chiefs, and had gradually
+sunk into a most luxurious siesta, when I was awakened by a tremendous
+outcry, and starting up, beheld the natives, seizing their spears and
+hurrying out, while the most puissant of the chiefs, grasping the six
+muskets which were ranged against the bamboos, followed after, and soon
+disappeared in the groves. These movements were accompanied by wild
+shouts, in which "Happar, Happar," greatly predominated. The islanders
+were now to be seen running past the Ti, and striking across the valley to
+the Happar side. Presently I heard the sharp report of a musket from the
+adjoining hills, and then a burst of voices in the same direction. At this
+the women, who had congregated in the groves, set up the most violent
+clamours, as they invariably do here as elsewhere on every occasion of
+excitement and alarm, with a view of tranquillizing their own minds and
+disturbing other people. On this particular occasion they made such an
+outrageous noise, and continued it with such perseverance, that for
+awhile, had entire volleys of musketry been fired off in the neighbouring
+mountains, I should not have been able to have heard them.
+
+When this female commotion had a little subsided I listened eagerly for
+further information. At last bang went another shot, and then a second
+volley of yells from the hills. Again all was quiet, and continued so for
+such a length of time that I began to think the contending armies had
+agreed upon a suspension of hostilities; when pop went a third gun,
+followed as before with a yell. After this, for nearly two hours nothing
+occurred worthy of comment, save some straggling shouts from the hillside,
+sounding like the halloos of a parcel of truant boys who had lost
+themselves in the woods.
+
+During this interval I had remained standing on the piazza of the "Ti,"
+which directly fronted the Happar mountain, and with no one near me but
+Kory-Kory and the old superannuated savages I have before described. These
+latter never stirred from their mats, and seemed altogether unconscious
+that anything unusual was going on.
+
+As for Kory-Kory, he appeared to think that we were in the midst of great
+events, and sought most zealously to impress me with a due sense of their
+importance. Every sound that reached us conveyed some momentous item of
+intelligence to him. At such times, as if he were gifted with second
+sight, he would go through a variety of pantomimic illustrations, showing
+me the precise manner in which the redoubtable Typees were at that very
+moment chastising the insolence of the enemy. "Mehevi hanna pippee nuee
+Happar," he exclaimed every five minutes, giving me to understand that
+under that distinguished captain the warriors of his nation were
+performing prodigies of valour.
+
+Having heard only four reports from the muskets, I was led to believe that
+they were worked by the islanders in the same manner as the Sultan
+Solyman's ponderous artillery at the siege of Byzantium, one of them
+taking an hour or two to load and train. At last, no sound whatever
+proceeding from the mountains, I concluded that the contest had been
+determined one way or the other. Such appeared, indeed, to be the case,
+for in a little while a courier arrived at the "Ti," almost breathless
+with his exertions, and communicated the news of a great victory having
+been achieved by his countrymen: "Happar poo arva!--Happar poo arva!" (the
+cowards had fled). Kory-Kory was in ecstasies, and commenced a vehement
+harangue, which, so far as I understood it, implied that the result
+exactly agreed with his expectations, and which, moreover, was intended to
+convince me that it would be a perfectly useless undertaking, even for an
+army of fire-eaters, to offer battle to the irresistible heroes of our
+valley. In all this I of course acquiesced, and looked forward with no
+little interest to the return of the conquerors, whose victory I feared
+might not have been purchased without cost to themselves.
+
+But here I was again mistaken; for Mehevi, in conducting his warlike
+operations, rather inclined to the Fabian than to the Buonapartean
+tactics, husbanding his resources and exposing his troops to no
+unnecessary hazards. The total loss of the victors in this obstinately
+contested affair was,--in killed, wounded, and missing--one forefinger and
+part of a thumb-nail (which the late proprietor brought along with him in
+his hand), a severely contused arm, and a considerable effusion of blood
+flowing from the thigh of a chief who had received an ugly thrust from a
+Happar spear. What the enemy had suffered I could not discover, but I
+presume they had succeeded in taking off with them the bodies of their
+slain.
+
+Such was the issue of the battle, as far as its results came under my
+observation; and as it appeared to be considered an event of prodigious
+importance, I reasonably concluded that the wars of the natives were
+marked by no very sanguinary traits. I afterwards learned how the skirmish
+had originated. A number of the Happars had been discovered prowling for
+no good purpose on the Typee side of the mountain; the alarm sounded, and
+the invaders, after a protracted resistance, had been chased over the
+frontier. But why had not the intrepid Mehevi carried the war into Happar?
+Why had not he made a descent into the hostile vale, and brought away some
+trophy of his victory--some materials for the cannibal entertainment which
+I had heard usually terminated every engagement? After all, I was much
+inclined to believe that these shocking festivals must occur very rarely
+among the islanders, if, indeed, they ever take place.
+
+For two or three days the late event was the theme of general comment;
+after which the excitement gradually wore away, and the valley resumed its
+accustomed tranquillity.
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER XVII
+
+
+     Swimming in company with the girls of the valley--A canoe--Effects
+     of the taboo--A pleasure excursion on the pond--Beautiful freak of
+        Fayaway--Mantua-making--A stranger arrives in the valley--His
+           mysterious conduct--Native oratory--The interview--Its
+                    results--Departure of the stranger.
+
+
+Returning health and peace of mind gave a new interest to everything
+around me. I sought to diversify my time by as many enjoyments as lay
+within my reach. Bathing in company with troops of girls, formed one of my
+chief amusements. We sometimes enjoyed the recreation in the waters of a
+miniature lake, into which the central stream of the valley expanded. This
+lovely sheet of water was almost circular in figure, and about three
+hundred yards across. Its beauty was indescribable. All around its banks
+waved luxuriant masses of tropical foliage, soaring high above which were
+seen, here and there, the symmetrical shaft of the cocoa-nut tree,
+surmounted by its tuft of graceful branches, drooping in the air like so
+many waving ostrich plumes.
+
+The ease and grace with which the maidens of the valley propelled
+themselves through the water, and their familiarity with the element, were
+truly astonishing. Sometimes they might be seen gliding along just under
+the surface, without apparently moving hand or foot; then throwing
+themselves on their sides, they darted through the water, revealing
+glimpses of their forms, as, in the course of their rapid progress, they
+shot for an instant partly into the air; at one moment they dived deep
+down into the water, and the next they rose bounding to the surface.
+
+I remember upon one occasion plunging in among a parcel of these
+river-nymphs, and counting vainly on my superior strength, sought to drag
+some of them under the water; but I quickly repented my temerity. The
+amphibious young creatures swarmed about me like a shoal of dolphins, and
+seizing hold of my devoted limbs, tumbled me about and ducked me under the
+surface, until from the strange noises which rang in my ears, and the
+supernatural visions dancing before my eyes, I thought I was in the land
+of spirits. I stood indeed as little chance among them as a cumbrous whale
+attacked on all sides by a legion of sword-fish. When at length they
+relinquished their hold of me, they swam away in every direction, laughing
+at my clumsy endeavours to reach them.
+
+There was no boat on the lake; but at my solicitation, and for my special
+use, some of the young men attached to Marheyo's household, under the
+direction of the indefatigable Kory-Kory, brought up a light and
+tastefully carved canoe from the sea. It was launched upon the sheet of
+water, and floated there as gracefully as a swan. But, melancholy to
+relate, it produced an effect I had not anticipated. The sweet nymphs, who
+had sported with me before in the lake, now all fled its vicinity. The
+prohibited craft, guarded by the edicts of the "taboo," extended the
+prohibition to the waters in which it lay.
+
+For a few days, Kory-Kory, with one or two other youths, accompanied me in
+my excursions to the lake and, while I paddled about in my light canoe,
+would swim after me shouting and gambolling in pursuit. But this was far
+from contenting me. Indeed, I soon began to weary of it, and longed more
+than ever for the pleasant society of the mermaids, in whose absence the
+amusement was dull and insipid. One morning I expressed to my faithful
+servitor my desire for the return of the nymphs. The honest fellow looked
+at me, bewildered for a moment, and then shook his head solemnly, and
+murmured "_taboo! taboo!_" giving me to understand that unless the canoe
+was removed, I could not expect to have the young ladies back again. But
+to this procedure I was averse; I not only wanted the canoe to stay where
+it was, but I wanted the beauteous Fayaway to get into it, and paddle with
+me about the lake. This latter proposition completely horrified
+Kory-Kory's notions of propriety. He inveighed against it, as something
+too monstrous to be thought of. It not only shocked their established
+notions of propriety, but was at variance with all their religious
+ordinances.
+
+However, although the "taboo" was a ticklish thing to meddle with, I
+determined to test its capabilities of resisting an attack. I consulted
+the chief Mehevi, who endeavoured to persuade me from my object: but I was
+not to be repulsed; and accordingly increased the warmth of my
+solicitations. At last he entered into a long, and I have no doubt a very
+learned and eloquent exposition of the history and nature of the "taboo"
+as affecting this particular case; employing a variety of most
+extraordinary words, which, from their amazing length and sonorousness, I
+have every reason to believe were of a theological nature. But all that he
+said failed to convince me: partly perhaps, because I could not comprehend
+a word that he uttered; but chiefly, that for the life of me, I could not
+understand why a woman should not have as much right to enter a canoe as a
+man. At last he became a little more rational, and intimated that, out of
+the abundant love he bore me, he would consult with the priests and see
+what could be done.
+
+How it was that the priesthood of Typee satisfied the affair with their
+consciences, I know not; but so it was, and Fayaway's dispensation from
+this portion of the taboo was at length procured. Such an event, I
+believe, never before had occurred in the valley; but it was high time the
+islanders should be taught a little gallantry, and I trust that the
+example I set them may produce beneficial effects. Ridiculous, indeed,
+that the lovely creatures should be obliged to paddle about in the water,
+like so many ducks, while a parcel of great strapping fellows skimmed over
+its surface in their canoes.
+
+The first day after Fayaway's emancipation, I had a delightful little
+party on the lake--the damsel, Kory-Kory, and myself. My zealous
+body-servant brought from the house a calabash of poee-poee, half a dozen
+young cocoa-nuts--stripped of their husks--three pipes, as many yams, and me
+on his back a part of the way. Something of a load; but Kory-Kory was a
+very strong man for his size, and by no means brittle in the spine. We had
+a very pleasant day; my trusty valet plied the paddle and swept us gently
+along the margin of the water, beneath the shades of the overhanging
+thickets. Fayaway and I reclined in the stern of the canoe, the gentle
+nymph occasionally placing her pipe to her lips, and exhaling the mild
+fumes of the tobacco, to which her rosy breath added a fresh perfume.
+Strange as it may seem, there is nothing in which a young and beautiful
+female appears to more advantage than in the act of smoking. How
+captivating is a Peruvian lady, swinging in her gaily-woven hammock of
+grass, extended between two orange-trees, and inhaling the fragrance of a
+choice cigarro! But Fayaway, holding in her delicately-formed olive hand
+the long yellow reed of her pipe, with its quaintly carved bowl, and every
+few moments languishingly giving forth light wreaths of vapour from her
+mouth and nostrils, looked still more engaging.
+
+We boated about thus for several hours, when I looked up to the warm,
+glowing, tropical sky, and then down into the transparent depths below;
+and when my eye, wandering from the bewitching scenery around, fell upon
+the grotesquely-tattooed form of Kory-Kory, and finally encountered the
+pensive gaze of Fayaway, I thought I had been transported to some fairy
+region, so unreal did everything appear.
+
+This lovely piece of water was the coolest spot in all the valley, and I
+now made it a place of continual resort during the hottest period of the
+day. One side of it lay near the termination of a long gradually expanding
+gorge, which mounted to the heights that environed the vale. The strong
+trade-wind, met in its course by these elevations, circled and eddied
+about their summits, and was sometimes driven down the steep ravine and
+swept across the valley, ruffling in its passage the otherwise tranquil
+surface of the lake.
+
+One day, after we had been paddling about for some time, I disembarked
+Kory-Kory, and paddled the canoe to the windward side of the lake. As I
+turned the canoe, Fayaway, who was with me, seemed all at once to be
+struck with some happy idea. With a wild exclamation of delight, she
+disengaged from her person the ample robe of tappa which was knotted over
+her shoulder (for the purpose of shielding her from the sun), and
+spreading it out like a sail, stood erect with up-raised arms in the head
+of the canoe. We American sailors pride ourselves upon our straight clean
+spars, but a prettier little mast than Fayaway made was never shipped
+aboard of any craft.
+
+In a moment the tappa was distended by the breeze--the long brown tresses
+of Fayaway streamed in the air--and the canoe glided rapidly through the
+water, and shot towards the shore. Seated in the stern, I directed its
+course with my paddle until it dashed up the soft sloping bank, and
+Fayaway, with a light spring, alighted on the ground; whilst Kory-Kory,
+who had watched our manoeuvres with admiration, now clapped his hands in
+transport, and shouted like a madman. Many a time afterwards was this feat
+repeated.
+
+If the reader has not observed ere this that I was the declared admirer of
+Miss Fayaway, all I can say is, that he is little conversant with affairs
+of the heart, and I certainly shall not trouble myself to enlighten him
+any farther. Out of the calico I had brought from the ship a dress was
+made for this lovely girl. In it she looked, I must confess, something
+like an opera-dancer. The drapery of the latter damsel generally commences
+a little above the elbows, but my island beauty's began at the waist, and
+terminated sufficiently far above the ground to reveal the most bewitching
+ankle in the universe.
+
+The day that Fayaway first wore this robe was rendered memorable by a new
+acquaintance being introduced to me. In the afternoon I was lying in the
+house, when I heard a great uproar outside; but being by this time pretty
+well accustomed to the wild halloos which were almost continually ringing
+through the valley, I paid little attention to it, until old Marheyo,
+under the influence of some strange excitement, rushed into my presence
+and communicated the astounding tidings, "Marnoo pemi!" which being
+interpreted, implied that an individual by the name of Marnoo was
+approaching. My worthy old friend evidently expected that this
+intelligence would produce a great effect upon me, and for a time he stood
+earnestly regarding me, as if curious to see how I should conduct myself,
+but as I remained perfectly unmoved, the old gentleman darted out of the
+house again, in as great a hurry as he had entered it.
+
+"Marnoo, Marnoo," cogitated I, "I have never heard that name before. Some
+distinguished character, I presume, from the prodigious riot the natives
+are making"; the tumultuous noise drawing nearer and nearer every moment,
+while "Marnoo!--Marnoo!" was shouted by every tongue.
+
+I made up my mind that some savage warrior of consequence, who had not yet
+enjoyed the honour of an audience, was desirous of paying his respects on
+the present occasion. So vain had I become by the lavish attention to
+which I had been accustomed, that I felt half inclined, as a punishment
+for such neglect, to give this Marnoo a cold reception, when the excited
+throng came within view, convoying one of the most striking specimens of
+humanity that I ever beheld.
+
+The stranger could not have been more than twenty-five years of age, and
+was a little above the ordinary height; had he been a single hair's
+breadth taller, the matchless symmetry of his form would have been
+destroyed. His unclad limbs were beautifully formed; whilst the elegant
+outline of his figure, together with his beardless cheeks, might have
+entitled him to the distinction of standing for the statue of the
+Polynesian Apollo; and indeed the oval of his countenance and the
+regularity of every feature reminded me of an antique bust. But the marble
+repose of art was supplied by a warmth and liveliness of expression only
+to be seen in the South Sea islander under the most favourable
+developments of nature. The hair of Marnoo was a rich curling brown, and
+twined about his temples and neck in little close curling ringlets, which
+danced up and down continually when he was animated in conversation. His
+cheek was of a feminine softness, and his face was free from the least
+blemish of tattooing, although the rest of his body was drawn all over
+with fanciful figures, which--unlike the unconnected sketching usual among
+these natives--appeared to have been executed in conformity with some
+general design.
+
+The tattooing on his back in particular attracted my attention. The artist
+employed must indeed have excelled in his profession. Traced along the
+course of the spine was accurately delineated the slender, tapering, and
+diamond-checkered shaft of the beautiful "artu" tree. Branching from the
+stem on either side, and disposed alternately, were the graceful branches
+drooping with leaves all correctly drawn, and elaborately finished.
+Indeed, this piece of tattooing was the best specimen of the Fine Arts I
+had yet seen in Typee. A rear view of the stranger might have suggested
+the idea of a spreading vine tacked against a garden wall. Upon his
+breast, arms, and legs, were exhibited an infinite variety of figures;
+every one of which, however, appeared to have reference to the general
+effect sought to be produced. The tattooing I have described was of the
+brightest blue, and when contrasted with the light olive-colour of the
+skin, produced an unique and even elegant effect. A slight girdle of white
+tappa, scarcely two inches in width, but hanging before and behind in
+spreading tassels, composed the entire costume of the stranger.
+
+He advanced surrounded by the islanders, carrying under one arm a small
+roll of the native cloth, and grasping in his other hand a long and
+richly-decorated spear. His manner was that of a traveller conscious that
+he is approaching a comfortable stage in his journey. Every moment he
+turned good-humouredly to the throng around him, and gave some dashing
+sort of reply to their incessant queries, which appeared to convulse them
+with uncontrollable mirth.
+
+Struck by his demeanour, and the peculiarity of his appearance, so unlike
+that of the shaven-crowned and face-tattooed natives in general, I
+involuntarily rose as he entered the house, and proffered him a seat on
+the mats beside me. But without deigning to notice the civility, or even
+the more incontrovertible fact of my existence, the stranger passed on,
+utterly regardless of me, and flung himself upon the farther end of the
+long couch that traversed the sole apartment of Marheyo's habitation.
+
+Had the belle of the season, in the pride of her beauty and power, been
+cut in a place of public resort by some supercilious exquisite, she could
+not have felt greater indignation than I did at this unexpected slight.
+
+I was thrown into utter astonishment. The conduct of the savages had
+prepared me to anticipate from every new-comer the same extravagant
+expression of curiosity and regard. The singularity of his conduct,
+however, only roused my desire to discover who this remarkable personage
+might be, who now engrossed the attention of every one.
+
+Tinor placed before him a calabash of poee-poee, from which the stranger
+regaled himself, alternating every mouthful with some rapid exclamation,
+which was eagerly caught up and echoed by the crowd that completely filled
+the house. When I observed the striking devotion of the natives to him,
+and their temporary withdrawal of all attention from myself, I felt not a
+little piqued. The glory of Tommo is departed, thought I, and the sooner
+he removes from the valley the better. These were my feelings at the
+moment, and they were prompted by that glorious principle inherent in all
+heroic natures--the strong-rooted determination to have the biggest share
+of the pudding or to go without any of it.
+
+Marnoo, this all-attractive personage, having satisfied his hunger, and
+inhaled a few whiffs from a pipe which was handed to him, launched out
+into an harangue which completely enchained the attention of his auditors.
+
+Little as I understood of the language, yet from his animated gestures and
+the varying expression of his features--reflected as from so many mirrors
+in the countenances around him--I could easily discover the nature of those
+passions which he sought to arouse. From the frequent recurrence of the
+words, "Nukuheva" and "Franee" (French), and some others with the meaning
+of which I was acquainted, he appeared to be rehearsing to his auditors
+events which had recently occurred in the neighboring bays. But how he had
+gained the knowledge of these matters, I could not understand, unless it
+were that he had just come from Nukuheva,--a supposition which his
+travel-stained appearance not a little supported. But, if a native of that
+region, I could not account for his friendly reception at the hands of the
+Typees.
+
+Never, certainly, had I beheld so powerful an exhibition of natural
+eloquence as Marnoo displayed during the course of his oration. The grace
+of the attitudes into which he threw his flexible figure, the striking
+gestures of his naked arms, and above all, the fire which shot from his
+brilliant eyes, imparted an effect to the continually-changing accents of
+his voice, of which the most accomplished orator might have been proud. At
+one moment reclining sideways upon the mat, and leaning calmly upon his
+bended arm, he related circumstantially the aggressions of the
+French--their hostile visit to the surrounding bays, enumerating each one
+in succession--Happar, Puerka, Nukuheva, Tior,--and then starting to his
+feet, and precipitating himself forward with clenched hands and a
+countenance distorted with passion, he poured out a tide of invectives.
+Falling back into an attitude of lofty command, he exhorted the Typees to
+resist these encroachments; reminding them, with a fierce glance of
+exultation, that as yet the terror of their name had preserved them from
+attack; and with a scornful sneer, he sketched in ironical terms the
+wondrous intrepidity of the French, who, with five war-canoes and hundreds
+of men, had not dared to assail the naked warriors of their valley.
+
+The effect he produced upon his audience was electric; one and all they
+stood regarding him with sparkling eyes and trembling limbs, as though
+they were listening to the inspired voice of a prophet.
+
+But it soon appeared that Marnoo's powers were as versatile as they were
+extraordinary. As soon as he had finished his vehement harangue, he threw
+himself again upon the mats, and, singling out individuals in the crowd,
+addressed them by name, in a sort of bantering style, the humour of which,
+though nearly hidden from me, filled the whole assembly with uproarious
+delight.
+
+He had a word for everybody; and, turning rapidly from one to another,
+gave utterance to some hasty witticism, which was sure to be followed by
+peals of laughter. To the females, as well as to the men, he addressed his
+discourse. Heaven only knows what he said to them, but he caused smiles
+and blushes to mantle their ingenuous faces. I am, indeed, very much
+inclined to believe that Marnoo, with his handsome person and captivating
+manners, was a sad deceiver among the simple maidens of the island.
+
+During all this time, he had never for one moment deigned to regard me. He
+appeared, indeed, to be altogether unconscious of my presence. I was
+utterly at a loss how to account for this extraordinary conduct, I easily
+perceived that he was a man of no little consequence among the islanders;
+that he possessed uncommon talents; and was gifted with a higher degree of
+knowledge than the inmates of the valley. For these reasons, I therefore
+greatly feared lest, having, from some cause or other, unfriendly feelings
+towards me, he might exert his powerful influence to do me mischief.
+
+It seemed evident that he was not a permanent resident of the vale, and
+yet, whence could he have come? On all sides the Typees were girt in by
+hostile tribes, and how could he possibly, if belonging to any of these,
+be received with so much cordiality?
+
+The personal appearance of the enigmatical stranger suggested additional
+perplexities. The face, free from tattooing, and the unshaven crown, were
+peculiarities I had never before remarked in any part of the island, and I
+had always heard that the contrary were considered the indispensable
+distinctions of a Marquesan warrior. Altogether the matter was perfectly
+incomprehensible to me, and I awaited its solution with no small degree of
+anxiety.
+
+At length, from certain indications, I suspected that he was making me the
+subject of his remarks, although he appeared cautiously to avoid either
+pronouncing my name, or looking in the direction where I lay. All at once
+he rose from the mats where he had been reclining, and, still conversing,
+moved towards me, his eye purposely evading mine, and seated himself
+within less than a yard of me. I had hardly recovered from my surprise,
+when he suddenly turned round, and with a most benignant countenance,
+extended his right hand gracefully towards me. Of course I accepted the
+courteous challenge, and, as soon as our palms met, he bent towards me,
+and murmured in musical accents,--"How you do? How long have you been in
+this bay? You like this bay?"
+
+Had I been pierced simultaneously by three Happar spears, I could not have
+started more than I did at hearing these simple questions. For a moment I
+was overwhelmed with astonishment, and then answered something, I know not
+what; but as soon as I regained my self-possession, the thought darted
+through my mind that from this individual I might obtain that information
+regarding Toby which I suspected the natives had purposely withheld from
+me. Accordingly, I questioned him concerning the disappearance of my
+companion, but he denied all knowledge of the matter. I then inquired from
+whence he had come? He replied, from Nukuheva. When I expressed my
+surprise, he looked at me for a moment, as if enjoying my perplexity, and
+then, with his strange vivacity, exclaimed,--"Ah! me taboo,--me go
+Nukuheva,--me go Tior,--me go Typee,--me go everywhere,--nobody harm
+me,--taboo."
+
+This explanation would have been altogether unintelligible to me, had it
+not recalled to my mind something I had previously heard concerning a
+singular custom among these islanders. Though the country is possessed by
+various tribes, whose mutual hostilities almost wholly preclude any
+intercourse between them, yet there are instances where a person having
+ratified friendly relations with some individual belonging to the valley,
+whose inmates are at war with his own, may, under particular restrictions,
+venture with impunity into the country of his friend, where, under other
+circumstances, he would have been treated as an enemy. In this light are
+personal friendships regarded among them, and the individual so protected
+is said to be "taboo" and his person, to a certain extent, is held as
+sacred. Thus the stranger informed me he had access to all the valleys in
+the island.
+
+Curious to know how he had acquired his knowledge of English, I questioned
+him on the subject. At first, for some reason or other, he evaded the
+inquiry, but afterwards told me that, when a boy, he had been carried to
+sea by the captain of a trading vessel, with whom he had stayed three
+years, living part of the time with him at Sydney, in Australia, and that,
+at a subsequent visit to the island, the captain had, at his own request,
+permitted him to remain among his countrymen. The natural quickness of the
+savage had been wonderfully improved by his intercourse with the white
+men, and his partial knowledge of a foreign language gave him a great
+ascendancy over his less accomplished countrymen.
+
+When I asked the now affable Marnoo why it was that he had not previously
+spoken to me, he eagerly inquired what I had been led to think of him from
+his conduct in that respect. I replied, that I had supposed him to be some
+great chief or warrior, who had seen plenty of white men before, and did
+not think it worth while to notice a poor sailor. At this declaration of
+the exalted opinion I had formed of him, he appeared vastly gratified, and
+gave me to understand that he had purposely behaved in that manner, in
+order to increase my astonishment, as soon as he should see proper to
+address me.
+
+Marnoo now sought to learn my version of the story as to how I came to be
+an inmate of the Typee valley. When I related to him the circumstances
+under which Toby and I had entered it, he listened with evident interest;
+but as soon as I alluded to the absence, yet unaccounted for, of my
+comrade, he endeavoured to change the subject, as if it were something he
+desired not to agitate. It seemed, indeed, as if everything connected with
+Toby was destined to beget distrust and anxiety in my bosom.
+Notwithstanding Marnoo's denial of any knowledge of his fate, I could not
+avoid suspecting that he was deceiving me; and this suspicion revived
+those frightful apprehensions with regard to my own fate, which, for a
+short time past, had subsided in my breast.
+
+Influenced by these feelings, I now felt a strong desire to avail myself
+of the stranger's protection, and under his safeguard to return to
+Nukuheva. But as soon as I hinted at this, he unhesitatingly pronounced it
+to be entirely impracticable; assuring me that the Typees would never
+consent to my leaving the valley. Although what he said merely confirmed
+the impression which I had before entertained, still it increased my
+anxiety to escape from a captivity, which, however endurable, nay,
+delightful it might be in some respects, involved in its issues a fate
+marked by the most frightful contingencies.
+
+I could not conceal from my mind that Toby had been treated in the same
+friendly manner as I had been, and yet all their kindness terminated with
+his mysterious disappearance. Might not the same fate await me?--a fate too
+dreadful to think of. Stimulated by these considerations, I urged anew my
+request to Marnoo; but he only set forth in stronger colours the
+impossibility of my escape, and repeated his previous declaration, that
+the Typees would never be brought to consent to my departure.
+
+When I endeavoured to learn from him the motives which prompted them to
+hold me a prisoner, Marnoo again assumed that mysterious tone which had
+tormented me with apprehensions when I had questioned him with regard to
+the fate of my companion.
+
+Thus repulsed, in a manner which only served, by arousing the most
+dreadful forebodings, to excite me to renewed attempts, I conjured him to
+intercede for me with the natives, and endeavour to procure their consent
+to my leaving them. To this he appeared strongly averse; but, yielding at
+last to my importunities, he addressed several of the chiefs, who with the
+rest had been eyeing us intently during the whole of our conversation. His
+petition, however, was at once met with the most violent disapprobation,
+manifesting itself in angry glances and gestures, and a perfect torrent of
+passionate words, directed to both him and myself. Marnoo, evidently
+repenting the step he had taken, earnestly deprecated the resentment of
+the crowd, and in a few moments succeeded in pacifying, to some extent,
+the clamours which had broken out as soon as his proposition had been
+understood.
+
+With the most intense interest had I watched the reception his
+intercession might receive; and a bitter pang shot through my heart at the
+additional evidence, now furnished, of the unchangeable determination of
+the islanders. Marnoo told me, with evident alarm in his countenance, that
+although admitted into the bay on a friendly footing with its inhabitants,
+he could not presume to meddle with their concerns, as such a procedure,
+if persisted in, would at once absolve the Typees from the restraints of
+the "taboo," although so long as he refrained from any such conduct, it
+screened him effectually from the consequences of the enmity they bore his
+tribe.
+
+At this moment, Mehevi, who was present, angrily interrupted him; and the
+words which he uttered, in a commanding tone, evidently meant that he must
+at once cease talking to me, and withdraw to the other part of the house.
+Marnoo immediately started up, hurriedly enjoining me not to address him
+again, and, as I valued my safety, to refrain from all further allusion to
+the subject of my departure; and then, in compliance with the order of the
+determined chief, but not before it had again been angrily repeated, he
+withdrew to a distance.
+
+I now perceived, with no small degree of apprehension, the same savage
+expression in the countenances of the natives which had startled me during
+the scene at the Ti. They glanced their eyes suspiciously from Marnoo to
+me, as if distrusting the nature of an intercourse carried on, as it was,
+in a language they could not understand, and they seemed to harbour the
+belief that already we had concerted measures calculated to elude their
+vigilance.
+
+The lively countenances of these people are wonderfully indicative of the
+emotions of the soul, and the imperfections of their oral language are
+more than compensated for by the nervous eloquence of their looks and
+gestures. I could plainly trace, in every varying expression of their
+faces, all those passions which had been thus unexpectedly aroused in
+their bosoms.
+
+It required no reflection to convince me, from what was going on, that the
+injunction of Marnoo was not to be rashly slighted; and accordingly, great
+as was the effort to suppress my feelings, I accosted Mehevi in a
+good-humoured tone, with a view of dissipating any ill impression he might
+have received. But the ireful, angry chief was not so easily mollified. He
+rejected my advances with that peculiarly stern expression I have before
+described, and took care by the whole of his behaviour towards me to show
+the displeasure and resentment which he felt.
+
+Marnoo, at the other extremity of the house, apparently desirous of making
+a diversion in my favour, exerted himself to amuse with his pleasantries
+the crowd about him; but his lively attempts were not so successful as
+they had previously been, and, foiled in his efforts, he rose gravely to
+depart. No one expressed any regret at this movement, so seizing his roll
+of tappa, and grasping his spear, he advanced to the front of the pi-pi,
+and waving his hand in adieu to the now silent throng, cast upon me a
+glance of mingled pity and reproach, and flung himself into the path which
+led from the house. I watched his receding figure until it was lost in the
+obscurity of the grove, and then gave myself up to the most desponding
+reflections.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XVIII
+
+
+    Reflection after Marnoo's departure--Battle of the pop-guns--Strange
+               conceit of Marheyo--Process of making tappa.
+
+
+The knowledge I had now obtained as to the intention of the savages deeply
+affected me.
+
+Marnoo, I perceived, was a man who, by reason of his superior
+acquirements, and the knowledge he possessed of the events which were
+taking place in the different bays of the island, was held in no little
+estimation by the inhabitants of the valley. He had been received with the
+most cordial welcome and respect. The natives had hung upon the accents of
+his voice, and had manifested the highest gratification at being
+individually noticed by him. And yet, despite all this, a few words urged
+in my behalf, with the intent of obtaining my release from captivity, had
+sufficed not only to banish all harmony and good-will, but, if I could
+believe what he told me, had gone nigh to endanger his own personal
+safety.
+
+How strongly rooted, then, must be the determination of the Typees with
+regard to me, and how suddenly could they display the strangest passions!
+The mere suggestion of my departure had estranged from me, for the time at
+least, Mehevi, who was the most influential of all the chiefs, and who had
+previously exhibited so many instances of his friendly sentiments. The
+rest of the natives had likewise evinced their strong repugnance to my
+wishes, and even Kory-Kory himself seemed to share in the general
+disapprobation bestowed upon me.
+
+In vain I racked my invention to find out some motive for the strange
+desire these people manifested to retain me among them; but I could
+discover none.
+
+But however this might be, the scene which had just occurred admonished me
+of the danger of trifling with the wayward and passionate spirits against
+whom it was vain to struggle, and might even be fatal to do so. My only
+hope was to induce the natives to believe that I was reconciled to my
+detention in the valley, and by assuming a tranquil and cheerful
+demeanour, to allay the suspicions which I had so unfortunately aroused.
+Their confidence revived, they might in a short time remit in some degree
+their watchfulness over my movements, and I should then be the better
+enabled to avail myself of any opportunity which presented itself for
+escape. I determined, therefore, to make the best of a bad bargain, and to
+bear up manfully against whatever might betide. In this endeavour I
+succeeded beyond my own expectations. At the period of Marnoo's visit, I
+had been in the valley, as nearly as I could conjecture, some two months.
+Although not completely recovered from my strange illness, which still
+lingered about me, I was free from pain and able to take exercise. In
+short, I had every reason to anticipate a perfect recovery. Freed from
+apprehensions on this point, and resolved to regard the future without
+flinching, I flung myself anew into all the social pleasures of the
+valley, and sought to bury all regrets, and all remembrances of my
+previous existence, in the wild enjoyments it afforded.
+
+In my various wanderings through the vale, and as I became better
+acquainted with the character of its inhabitants, I was more and more
+struck with the light-hearted joyousness that everywhere prevailed. The
+minds of these simple savages, unoccupied by matters of graver moment,
+were capable of deriving the utmost delight from circumstances which would
+have passed unnoticed in more intelligent communities. All their
+enjoyment, indeed, seemed to be made up of the little trifling incidents
+of the passing hour; but these diminutive items swelled altogether to an
+amount of happiness seldom experienced by more enlightened individuals,
+whose pleasures are drawn from more elevated but rarer sources.
+
+What community, for instance, of refined and intellectual mortals would
+derive the least satisfaction from shooting pop-guns? The mere supposition
+of such a thing being possible would excite their indignation, and yet the
+whole population of Typee did little else for ten days but occupy
+themselves with that childish amusement, fairly screaming, too, with the
+delight it afforded them.
+
+One day I was frolicking with a little spirited urchin, some six years
+old, who chased me with a piece of bamboo about three feet long, with
+which he occasionally belaboured me. Seizing the stick from him, the idea
+happened to suggest itself, that I might make for the youngster, out of
+the slender tube, one of those nursery muskets with which I had sometimes
+seen children playing. Accordingly, with my knife, I made two parallel
+slits in the cane several inches in length, and cutting loose at one end
+the elastic strip between them, bent it back and slipped the point into a
+little notch made for the purpose. Any small substance placed against this
+would be projected with considerable force through the tube by merely
+springing the bent strip out of the notch.
+
+Had I possessed the remotest idea of the sensation this piece of ordnance
+was destined to produce, I should certainly have taken out a patent for
+the invention. The boy scampered away with it, half delirious with
+ecstasy, and twenty minutes afterwards I might have been seen surrounded
+by a noisy crowd--venerable old greybeards--responsible fathers of
+families--valiant warriors--matrons--young men--girls and children, all
+holding in their hands bits of bamboo, and each clamouring to be served
+first.
+
+For three or four hours I was engaged in manufacturing pop-guns, but at
+last made over my good-will and interests in the concern to a lad of
+remarkably quick parts, whom I soon initiated into the art and mystery.
+
+Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop, now resounded all over the valley. Duels, skirmishes,
+pitched battles, and general engagements were to be seen on every side.
+Here, as you walked along a path which led through a thicket, you fell
+into a cunningly-laid ambush, and became a target for a body of
+musketeers, whose tattooed limbs you could just see peeping into view
+through the foliage. There, you were assailed by the intrepid garrison of
+a house, who levelled their bamboo rifles at you from between the upright
+canes which composed its sides. Farther on, you were fired upon by a
+detachment of sharpshooters, mounted upon the top of a pi-pi.
+
+Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop! green guavas, seeds, and berries were flying about in
+every direction, and during this dangerous state of affairs, I was half
+afraid that, like the man and his brazen bull, I should fall a victim to
+my own ingenuity. Like everything else, however, the excitement gradually
+wore away, though ever after occasionally pop-guns might be heard at all
+hours of the day.
+
+It was towards the close of the pop-gun war, that I was infinitely
+diverted with a strange freak of Marheyo's.
+
+I had worn, when I quitted the ship, a pair of thick pumps, which, from
+the rough usage they had received in scaling precipices and sliding down
+gorges, were so dilapidated as to be altogether unfit for use--so, at
+least, would have thought the generality of people, and so they most
+certainly were, when considered in the light of shoes. But things
+unserviceable in one way, may with advantage be applied in another--that
+is, if one has genius enough for the purpose. This genius Marheyo
+possessed in a superlative degree, as he abundantly evinced by the use to
+which he put these sorely bruised and battered old shoes.
+
+Every article, however trivial, which belonged to me, the natives appeared
+to regard as sacred; and I observed that for several days after becoming
+an inmate of the house, my pumps were suffered to remain, untouched, where
+I had first happened to throw them. I remembered, however, that after
+awhile I had missed them from their accustomed place; but the matter gave
+me no concern, supposing that Tinor--like any other tidy housewife, having
+come across them in some of her domestic occupations--had pitched the
+useless things out of the house. But I was soon undeceived.
+
+One day I observed old Marheyo bustling about me with unusual activity,
+and to such a degree as almost to supersede Kory-Kory in the functions of
+his office. One moment he volunteered to trot off with me on his back to
+the stream; and when I refused, noways daunted by the repulse, he
+continued to frisk about me like a superannuated house-dog. I could not
+for the life of me conjecture what possessed the old gentleman, until all
+at once, availing himself of the temporary absence of the household, he
+went through a variety of uncouth gestures, pointing eagerly down to my
+feet, and then up to a little bundle which swung from the ridge-pole
+overhead. At last I caught a faint idea of his meaning, and motioned him
+to lower the package. He executed the order in the twinkling of an eye,
+and unrolling a piece of tappa, displayed to my astonished gaze the
+identical pumps which I thought had been destroyed long before.
+
+I immediately comprehended his desire, and very generously gave him the
+shoes, which had become quite mouldy, wondering for what earthly purpose
+he could want them.
+
+The same afternoon I descried the venerable warrior approaching the house,
+with a slow, stately gait, earrings in ears, and spear in hand, with this
+highly ornamental pair of shoes suspended from his neck by a strip of
+bark, and swinging backwards and forwards on his capacious chest. In the
+gala costume of the tasteful Marheyo, these calf-skin pendants ever after
+formed the most striking feature.
+
+But to turn to something a little more important. Although the whole
+existence of the inhabitants of the valley seemed to pass away exempt from
+toil, yet there were some light employments which, although amusing rather
+than labourious as occupations, contributed to their comfort and luxury.
+Among these, the most important was the manufacture of the native
+cloth--"tappa"--so well known, under various modifications, throughout the
+whole Polynesian Archipelago. As is generally understood, this useful and
+sometimes elegant article is fabricated from the bark of different trees.
+But, as I believe that no description of its manufacture has ever been
+given, I shall state what I know regarding it.
+
+In the manufacture of the beautiful white tappa generally worn on the
+Marquesan Islands, the preliminary operation consists in gathering a
+certain quantity of the young branches of the cloth-tree. The exterior
+green bark being pulled off as worthless, there remains a slender fibrous
+substance, which is carefully stripped from the stick, to which it closely
+adheres. When a sufficient quantity of it has been collected, the various
+strips are enveloped in a covering of large leaves, which the natives use
+precisely as we do wrapping-paper, and which are secured by a few turns of
+a line passed round them. The package is then laid in the bed of some
+running stream, with a heavy stone placed over it, to prevent its being
+swept away. After it has remained for two or three days in this state, it
+is drawn out, and exposed for a short time to the action of the air, every
+distinct piece being attentively inspected, with a view of ascertaining
+whether it has yet been sufficiently affected by the operation. This is
+repeated again and again, until the desired result is obtained.
+
+When the substance is in a proper state for the next process, it betrays
+evidences of incipient decomposition; the fibres are relaxed and softened,
+and rendered perfectly malleable. The different strips are now extended,
+one by one, in successive layers, upon some smooth surface--generally the
+prostrate trunk of a cocoa-nut tree--and the heap thus formed is subjected,
+at every new increase, to a moderate beating, with a sort of wooden
+mallet, leisurely applied. The mallet is made of a hard heavy wood
+resembling ebony, is about twelve inches in length, and perhaps two in
+breadth, with a rounded handle at one end, and in shape is the exact
+counterpart of one of our four-sided razor-strops. The flat surfaces of
+the implement are marked with shallow parallel indentations, varying in
+depth on the different sides, so as to be adapted to the several stages of
+the operation. These marks produce the corduroy sort of stripes
+descernible in the tappa in its finished state. After being beaten in the
+manner I have described, the material soon becomes blended in one mass,
+which, moistened occasionally with water, is at intervals hammered out, by
+a kind of gold-beating process, to any degree of thinness required. In
+this way the cloth is easily made to vary in strength and thickness, so as
+to suit the numerous purposes to which it is applied.
+
+When the operation last described has been concluded, the new-made tappa
+is spread out on the grass to bleach and dry, and soon becomes of a
+dazzling whiteness. Sometimes, in the first stages of the manufacture, the
+substance is impregnated with a vegetable juice, which gives it a
+permanent colour. A rich brown and a bright yellow are occasionally seen,
+but the simple taste of the Typee people inclines them to prefer the
+natural tint.
+
+The notable wife of Kammahammaha, the renowned conqueror and king of the
+Sandwich Islands, used to pride herself in the skill she displayed in
+dyeing her tappa with contrasting colours disposed in regular figures;
+and, in the midst of the innovations of the times, was regarded, towards
+the decline of her life, as a lady of the old school, clinging as she did
+to the national cloth, in preference to the frippery of the European
+calicoes. But the art of printing the tappa is unknown upon the Marquesan
+Islands.
+
+In passing along the valley, I was often attracted by the noise of the
+mallet, which, when employed in the manufacture of the cloth, produces at
+every stroke of its hard, heavy wood, a clear, ringing, and musical sound,
+capable of being heard at a great distance. When several of these
+implements happen to be in operation at the same time, and near one
+another, the effect upon the ear of a person, at a little distance, is
+really charming.
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER XIX
+
+
+     History of a day as usually spent in the Typee valley--Dances of
+                           the Marquesan girls.
+
+
+Nothing can be more uniform and undiversified than the life of the Typees;
+one tranquil day of ease and happiness follows another in quiet
+succession; and with these unsophisticated savages the history of a day is
+the history of a life. I will therefore, as briefly as I can, describe one
+of our days in the valley.
+
+To begin with the morning. We were not very early risers--the sun would be
+shooting his golden spikes above the Happar mountain, ere I threw aside my
+tappa robe, and girding my long tunic about my waist, sallied out with
+Fayaway and Kory-Kory, and the rest of the household, and bent my steps
+towards the stream. Here we found congregated all those who dwelt in our
+section of the valley; and here we bathed with them. The fresh morning air
+and the cool flowing waters put both soul and body in a glow, and after a
+half-hour employed in this recreation, we sauntered back to the
+house--Tinor and Marheyo gathering dry sticks by the way for firewood; some
+of the young men laying the cocoa-nut trees under contribution as they
+passed beneath them; while Kory-Kory played his outlandish pranks for my
+particular diversion, and Fayaway and I, not arm in arm to be sure, but
+sometimes hand in hand, strolled along, with feelings of perfect charity
+for all the world, and especial good-will towards each other.
+
+Our morning meal was soon prepared. The islanders are somewhat abstemious
+at this repast; reserving the more powerful efforts of their appetite to a
+later period of the day. For my own part, with the assistance of my valet,
+who, as I have before stated, always officiated as spoon on these
+occasions, I ate sparingly from one of Tinor's trenchers of poee-poee;
+which was devoted exclusively for my own use, being mixed with the milky
+meat of ripe cocoa-nut. A section of a roasted bread-fruit, a small cake
+of "Amar," or a mess of "Kokoo," two or three bananas, or a Mawmee apple;
+an annuee, or some other agreeable and nutritious fruit, served from day
+to day to diversify the meal, which was finished by tossing off the liquid
+contents of a young cocoa-nut or two.
+
+While partaking of this simple repast, the inmates of Marheyo's house,
+after the style of the ancient Romans, reclined in sociable groups upon
+the divan of mats, and digestion was promoted by cheerful conversation.
+
+After the morning meal was concluded, pipes were lighted; and among them
+my own special pipe, a present from the noble Mehevi. The islanders, who
+only smoke a whiff or two at a time, and at long intervals, and who keep
+their pipes going from hand to hand continually, regarded my systematic
+smoking of four or five pipefuls of tobacco in succession as something
+quite wonderful. When two or three pipes had circulated freely, the
+company gradually broke up. Marheyo went to the little hut he was for ever
+building. Tinor began to inspect her rolls of tappa, or employed her busy
+fingers in plaiting grass-mats. The girls anointed themselves with their
+fragrant oils, dressed their hair, or looked over their curious finery,
+and compared together their ivory trinkets, fashioned out of boar's tusks
+or whale's teeth. The young men and warriors produced their spears,
+paddles, canoe-gear, battle-clubs, and war-conchs, and occupied themselves
+in carving all sorts of figures upon them with pointed bits of shell or
+flint, and adorning them, especially the war-conchs, with tassels of
+braided bark and tufts of human hair. Some, immediately after eating,
+threw themselves once more upon the inviting mats, and resumed the
+employment of the previous night, sleeping as soundly as if they had not
+closed their eyes for a week. Others sallied out into the groves, for the
+purpose of gathering fruit or fibres of bark and leaves; the last two
+being in constant requisition, and applied to a hundred uses. A few,
+perhaps, among the girls, would slip into the woods after flowers, or
+repair to the stream with small calabashes and cocoa-nut shells, in order
+to polish them by friction with a smooth stone in the water. In truth
+these innocent people seemed to be at no loss for something to occupy
+their time; and it would be no light task to enumerate all their
+employments, or rather pleasures.
+
+My own mornings I spent in a variety of ways. Sometimes I rambled about
+from house to house, sure of receiving a cordial welcome wherever I went;
+or, from grove to grove, and from one shady place to another, in company
+with Kory-Kory and Fayaway, and a rabble rout of merry young idlers.
+Sometimes I was too indolent for exercise, and, accepting one of the many
+invitations I was continually receiving, stretched myself out on the mats
+of some hospitable dwelling, and occupied myself pleasantly either in
+watching the proceedings of those around me, or taking part in them
+myself. Whenever I chose to do the latter, the delight of the islanders
+was boundless; and there was always a throng of competitors for the honor
+of instructing me in any particular craft. I soon became quite an
+accomplished hand at making tappa--could braid a grass sling as well as the
+best of them--and once, with my knife, carved the handle of a javelin so
+exquisitely that I have no doubt, to this day, Karnoonoo, its owner,
+preserves it as a surprising specimen of my skill. As noon approached, all
+those who had wandered forth from our habitation began to return; and when
+mid-day was fairly come, scarcely a sound was to be heard in the valley--a
+deep sleep fell upon all. The luxurious siesta was hardly ever omitted,
+except by old Marheyo, who was so eccentric a character, that he seemed to
+be governed by no fixed principles whatever; but acting just according to
+the humour of the moment, slept, eat, or tinkered away at his little hut,
+without regard to the proprieties of time or place. Frequently he might
+have been seen taking a nap in the sun at noon-day, or a bath in the
+stream at midnight. Once I beheld him perched eighty feet from the ground,
+in the tuft of a cocoa-nut tree, smoking; and often I saw him standing up
+to the waist in water, engaged in plucking out the stray hairs of his
+beard, using a piece of muscle-shell for tweezers.
+
+The noontide slumber lasted generally an hour and a half, very often
+longer; and after the sleepers had arisen from their mats they again had
+recourse to their pipes, and then made preparations for the most important
+meal of the day.
+
+I, however, like those gentlemen of leisure who breakfast at home and dine
+at their club, almost invariably, during my intervals of health, enjoyed
+the afternoon repast with the bachelor chiefs of the Ti, who were always
+rejoiced to see me, and lavishly spread before me all the good things
+which their larder afforded. Mehevi generally produced, among other
+dainties, a baked pig, an article which, I have every reason to suppose,
+was provided for my sole gratification.
+
+The Ti was a right jovial place. It did my heart, as well as my body, good
+to visit it. Secure from female intrusion, there was no restraint upon the
+hilarity of the warriors, who, like the gentlemen of Europe after the
+cloth is drawn, and the ladies retire, freely indulged their mirth.
+
+After spending a considerable portion of the afternoon at the Ti, I
+usually found myself, as the cool of the evening came on, either sailing
+on the little lake with Fayaway, or bathing in the waters of the stream
+with a number of the savages, who, at this hour, always repaired thither.
+As the shadows of night approached, Marheyo's household were once more
+assembled under his roof; tapers were lit, long and curious chants were
+raised, interminable stories were told (for which one present was little
+the wiser), and all sorts of social festivities served to while away the
+time.
+
+The young girls very often danced by moonlight in front of their
+dwellings. There are a great variety of these dances, in which, however, I
+never saw the men take part. They all consist of active, romping,
+mischievous evolutions, in which every limb is brought into requisition.
+Indeed, the Marquesan girls dance all over, as it were; not only do their
+feet dance, but their arms, hands, fingers, ay, their very eyes seem to
+dance in their heads.
+
+The damsels wear nothing but flowers and their compendious gala tunics;
+and when they plume themselves for the dance, one would almost think that
+they were about to take wing.
+
+Unless some particular festivity was going forward, the inmates of
+Marheyo's house retired to their mats rather early in the evening; but not
+for the night, since after slumbering lightly for awhile, they rose again,
+relit their tapers, partook of the third and last meal of the day, at
+which poee-poee alone was eaten, and then, after inhaling a narcotic whiff
+from a pipe of tobacco, disposed themselves for the great business of the
+night--sleep. With the Marquesans it might almost be styled the great
+business of life, for they pass a large portion of their time in the arms
+of Somnus. The native strength of their constitution is no way shown more
+emphatically than in the quantity of sleep they can endure. To many of
+them, indeed, life is little else than an often interrupted and luxurious
+nap.
+
+
+
+
+
+                                CHAPTER XX
+
+
+     The spring of Arva Wai--Remarkable monumental remains--Some ideas
+      with regard to the history of the pi-pis found in the valley.
+
+
+Almost every country has its medicinal springs famed for their healing
+virtues. The Cheltenham of Typee is embosomed in the deepest solitude, and
+but seldom receives a visitor. It is situated remote from any dwelling, a
+little way up the mountain, near the head of the valley; and you approach
+it by a pathway shaded by the most beautiful foliage, and adorned with a
+thousand fragrant plants.
+
+The mineral waters of Arva Wai(2) ooze forth from the crevices of a rock,
+and gliding down its mossy side, fall at last, in many clustering drops,
+into a natural basin of stone, fringed round with grass and dewy-looking
+little violet-coloured flowers, as fresh and beautiful as the perpetual
+moisture they enjoy can make them.
+
+The water is held in high estimation by the islanders, some of whom
+consider it an agreeable as well as a medicinal beverage; they bring it
+from the mountain in their calabashes, and store it away beneath heaps of
+leaves in some shady nook near the house. Old Marheyo had a great love for
+the waters of the spring. Every now and then he lugged off to the mountain
+a great round demijohn of a calabash, and, panting with his exertions,
+brought it back filled with his darling fluid.
+
+The water tasted like a solution of a dozen disagreeable things, and was
+sufficiently nauseous to have made the fortune of the proprietor, had the
+spa been situated in the midst of any civilized community.
+
+As I am no chemist, I cannot give a scientific analysis of the water. All
+I know about the matter is, that one day Marheyo in my presence poured out
+the last drop from his huge calabash, and I observed at the bottom of the
+vessel a small quantity of gravelly sediment very much resembling our
+common sand. Whether this is always found in the water, and gives it its
+peculiar flavour and virtues, or whether its presence was merely
+incidental, I was not able to ascertain.
+
+One day in returning from this spring by a circuitous path, I came upon a
+scene which reminded me of Stonehenge and the architectural labours of the
+Druid.
+
+At the base of one of the mountains, and surrounded on all sides by dense
+groves, a series of vast terraces of stone rises, step by step, for a
+considerable distance up the hillside. These terraces cannot be less than
+one hundred yards in length and twenty in width. Their magnitude, however,
+is less striking than the immense size of the blocks composing them. Some
+of the stones, of an oblong shape, are from ten to fifteen feet in length,
+and five or six feet thick. Their sides are quite smooth, but though
+square, and of pretty regular formation, they bear no mark of the chisel.
+They are laid together without cement, and here and there show gaps
+between. The topmost terrace and the lower one are somewhat peculiar in
+their construction. They have both a quadrangular depression in the
+centre, leaving the rest of the terrace elevated several feet above it. In
+the intervals of the stones immense trees have taken root, and their broad
+boughs stretching far over, and interlacing together, support a canopy
+almost impenetrable to the sun. Overgrowing the greater part of them, and
+climbing from one to another, is a wilderness of vines, in whose sinewy
+embrace many of the stones lie half-hidden, while in some places a thick
+growth of bushes entirely covers them. There is a wild pathway which
+obliquely crosses two of these terraces; and so profound is the shade, so
+dense the vegetation, that a stranger to the place might pass along it
+without being aware of its existence.
+
+These structures bear every indication of a very high antiquity, and
+Kory-Kory, who was my authority in all matters of scientific research,
+gave me to understand that they were coeval with the creation of the
+world; that the great gods themselves were the builders; and that they
+would endure until time shall be no more. Kory-Kory's prompt explanation,
+and his attributing the work to a divine origin, at once convinced me that
+neither he nor the rest of his countrymen knew anything about them.
+
+As I gazed upon this monument, doubtless the work of an extinct and
+forgotten race, thus buried in the green nook of an island at the end of
+the earth, the existence of which was yesterday unknown, a stronger
+feeling of awe came over me than if I had stood musing at the mighty base
+of the Pyramid of Cheops. There are no inscriptions, no sculpture, no
+clue, by which to conjecture its history: nothing but the dumb stones. How
+many generations of those majestic trees which overshadow them have grown
+and flourished and decayed since first they were erected!
+
+These remains naturally suggest many interesting reflections. They
+establish the great age of the island, an opinion which the builders of
+theories concerning the creation of the various groups in the South Seas
+are not always inclined to admit. For my own part I think it just as
+probable that human beings were living in the valleys of the Marquesas
+three thousand years ago as that they were inhabiting the land of Egypt.
+The origin of the island of Nukuheva cannot be imputed to the coral
+insect: for indefatigable as that wonderful creature is, it would be
+hardly muscular enough to pile rocks one upon the other more than three
+thousand feet above the level of the sea. That the land may have been
+thrown up by a submarine volcano is as possible as anything else. No one
+can make an affidavit to the contrary, and therefore I will say nothing
+against the supposition: indeed, were geologists to assert that the whole
+continent of America had in like manner been formed by the simultaneous
+explosion of a train of Etnas, laid under the water all the way from the
+North Pole to the parallel of Cape Horn, I am the last man in the world to
+contradict them.
+
+I have already mentioned that the dwellings of the islanders were almost
+invariably built upon massive stone foundations, which they call pi-pis.
+The dimensions of these, however, as well as of the stones composing them,
+are comparatively small: but there are other and larger erections of a
+similar description comprising the "morais," or burying-grounds, and
+festival-places, in nearly all the valleys of the island. Some of these
+piles are so extensive, and so great a degree of labour and skill must
+have been requisite in constructing them, that I can scarcely believe they
+were built by the ancestors of the present inhabitants. If indeed they
+were, the race has sadly deteriorated in their knowledge of the mechanic
+arts. To say nothing of their habitual indolence, by what contrivance
+within the reach of so simple a people could such enormous masses have
+been moved or fixed in their places? and how could they with their rude
+implements have chiselled and hammered them into shape?
+
+All of these larger pi-pis--like that of the Hoolah Hoolah ground in the
+Typee valley--bore incontestable marks of great age; and I am disposed to
+believe that their erection may be ascribed to the same race of men who
+were the builders of the still more ancient remains I have just described.
+
+According to Kory-Kory's account, the pi-pi, upon which stands the Hoolah
+Hoolah ground, was built a great many moons ago, under the direction of
+Monoo, a great chief and warrior, and, as it would appear, master-mason
+among the Typees. It was erected for the express purpose to which it is at
+present devoted, in the incredibly short period of one sun; and was
+dedicated to the immortal wooden idols by a grand festival, which lasted
+ten days and nights.
+
+Among the smaller pi-pis, upon which stand the dwelling-houses of the
+natives, I never observed any which intimated a recent erection. There are
+in every part of the valley a great many of these massive stone
+foundations which have no houses upon them. This is vastly convenient, for
+whenever an enterprising islander chooses to emigrate a few hundred yards
+from the place where he was born, all he has to do in order to establish
+himself in some new locality, is to select one of the many unappropriated
+pi-pis, and without further ceremony pitch his bamboo tent upon it.
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER XXI
+
+
+    Preparations for a grand festival in the valley--Strange doings in
+    the Taboo Groves--Monument of Calabashes--Gala costume of the Typee
+                   damsels--Departure for the festival.
+
+
+From the time that my lameness had decreased I had made a daily practice
+of visiting Mehevi at the Ti, who invariably gave me a most cordial
+reception. I was always accompanied in these excursions by Fayaway and the
+ever-present Kory-Kory. The former, as soon as we reached the vicinity of
+the Ti--which was rigorously tabooed to the whole female sex--withdrew to a
+neighbouring hut, as if her feminine delicacy restrained her from
+approaching a habitation which might be regarded as a sort of Bachelor's
+Hall.
+
+And in good truth it might well have been so considered. Although it was
+the permanent residence of several distinguished chiefs, and of the noble
+Mehevi in particular, it was still at certain seasons the favourite haunt
+of all the jolly, talkative, and elderly savages of the vale, who resorted
+thither in the same way that similar characters frequent a tavern in
+civilized countries. There they would remain hour after hour, chatting,
+smoking, eating poee-poee, or busily engaged in sleeping for the good of
+their constitutions.
+
+This building appeared to be the headquarters of the valley, where all
+flying rumours concentrated; and to have seen it filled with a crowd of
+the natives, all males, conversing in animated clusters, while multitudes
+were continually coming and going, one would have thought it a kind of
+savage exchange, where the rise and fall of Polynesian Stock was
+discussed.
+
+Mehevi acted as supreme lord over the place, spending the greater portion
+of his time there: and often when, at particular hours of the day, it was
+deserted by nearly every one else except the verd-antique looking
+centenarians, who were fixtures in the building, the chief himself was
+sure to be found enjoying his "otium cum dignitate" upon the luxurious
+mats which covered the floor. Whenever I made my appearance he invariably
+rose, and, like a gentleman doing the honours of his mansion, invited me
+to repose myself wherever I pleased, and calling out "tammaree!" (boy), a
+little fellow would appear, and then retiring for an instant, return with
+some savoury mess, from which the chief would press me to regale myself.
+To tell the truth, Mehevi was indebted to the excellence of his viands for
+the honour of my repeated visits,--a matter which cannot appear singular,
+when it is borne in mind that bachelors, all the world over, are famous
+for serving up unexceptional repasts.
+
+One day, on drawing near to the Ti, I observed that extensive preparations
+were going forward, plainly betokening some approaching festival. Some of
+the symptoms reminded me of the stir produced among the scullions of a
+large hotel, where a grand jubilee dinner is about to be given. The
+natives were hurrying about hither and thither, engaged in various duties;
+some lugging off to the stream enormous hollow bamboos, for the purpose of
+filling them with water; others chasing furious-looking hogs through the
+bushes, in their endeavours to capture them; and numbers employed in
+kneading great mountains of poee-poee heaped up in huge wooden vessels.
+
+After observing these lively indications for awhile, I was attracted to a
+neighbouring grove by a prodigious squeaking which I heard there. On
+reaching the spot I found it proceeded from a large hog which a number of
+natives were forcibly holding to the earth, while a muscular fellow, armed
+with a bludgeon, was ineffectually aiming murderous blows at the skull of
+the unfortunate porker. Again and again he missed his writhing and
+struggling victim, but though puffing and panting with his exertions, he
+still continued them; and after striking a sufficient number of blows to
+have demolished an entire drove of oxen, with one crashing stroke he laid
+him dead at his feet.
+
+Without letting any blood from the body, it was immediately carried to a
+fire which had been kindled near at hand, and four savages taking hold of
+the carcass by its legs, passed it rapidly to and fro in the flames. In a
+moment the smell of burning bristles betrayed the object of this
+procedure. Having got thus far in the matter, the body was removed to a
+little distance; and, being disembowelled, the entrails were laid aside as
+choice parts, and the whole carcass thoroughly washed with water. An ample
+thick green cloth, composed of the long thick leaves of a species of palm
+tree, ingeniously tacked together with little pins of bamboo, was now
+spread upon the ground, in which the body being carefully rolled, it was
+borne to an oven previously prepared to receive it. Here it was at once
+laid upon the heated stones at the bottom, and covered with thick layers
+of leaves, the whole being quickly hidden from sight by a mound of earth
+raised over it.
+
+Such is the summary style in which the Typees convert perverse-minded and
+rebellious hogs into the most docile and amiable pork; a morsel of which
+placed on the tongue melts like a soft smile from the lips of beauty.
+
+I commend their peculiar mode of proceeding to the consideration of all
+butchers, cooks, and housewives. The hapless porker whose fate I have just
+rehearsed, was not the only one who suffered on that memorable day. Many a
+dismal grunt, many an imploring squeak, proclaimed what was going on
+throughout the whole extent of the valley: and I verily believe the
+first-born of every litter perished before the setting of that fatal sun.
+
+The scene around the Ti was now most animated. Hogs and poee-poee were
+baking in numerous ovens, which, heaped up with fresh earth into slight
+elevations, looked like so many ant-hills. Scores of the savages were
+vigorously plying their stone pestles in preparing masses of poee-poee,
+and numbers were gathering green bread-fruit and young cocoa-nuts in the
+surrounding groves; while an exceeding great multitude, with a view of
+encouraging the rest in their labours, stood still, and kept shouting most
+lustily without intermission.
+
+It is a peculiarity among these people, that when engaged in any
+employment they always make a prodigious fuss about it. So seldom do they
+ever exert themselves, that when they do work they seem determined that so
+meritorious an action shall not escape the observation of those around.
+If, for example, they have occasion to remove a stone to a little
+distance, which perhaps might be carried by two able-bodied men, a whole
+swarm gather about it, and, after a vast deal of palavering, lift it up
+among them, every one struggling to get hold of it, and bear it off
+yelling and panting as if accomplishing some mighty achievement. Seeing
+them on these occasions, one is reminded of an infinity of black ants
+clustering about and dragging away to some hole the leg of a deceased fly.
+
+Having for some time attentively observed these demonstrations of good
+cheer, I entered the Ti, where Mehevi sat complacently looking out upon
+the busy scene, and occasionally issuing his orders. The chief appeared to
+be in an extraordinary flow of spirits, and gave me to understand that on
+the morrow there would be grand doings in the groves generally, and at the
+Ti in particular; and urged me by no means to absent himself. In
+commemoration of what event, however, or in honour of what distinguished
+personage, the feast was to be given, altogether passed my comprehension.
+Mehevi sought to enlighten my ignorance, but he failed as signally as when
+he had endeavoured to initiate me into the perplexing arcana of the taboo.
+
+On leaving the Ti, Kory-Kory, who had, as a matter of course, accompanied
+me, observing that my curiosity remained unabated, resolved to make
+everything plain and satisfactory. With this intent, he escorted me
+through the Taboo Groves, pointing out to my notice a variety of objects,
+and endeavoured to explain them in such an indescribable jargon of words,
+that it almost put me in bodily pain to listen to him. In particular, he
+led me to a remarkable pyramidical structure some three yards square at
+the base, and perhaps ten feet in height, which had lately been thrown up,
+and occupied a very conspicuous position. It was composed principally of
+large empty calabashes, with a few polished cocoa-nut shells, and looked
+not unlike a cenotaph of skulls. My cicerone perceived the astonishment
+with which I gazed at this monument of savage crockery, and immediately
+addressed himself to the task of enlightening me: but all in vain; and to
+this hour the nature of the monument remains a complete mystery to me. As,
+however, it formed so prominent a feature in the approaching revels, I
+bestowed upon the latter, in my own mind, the title of the "Feast of
+Calabashes."
+
+  [Illustration: THUS ARRAYED, I WOULD HAVE MATCHED THE CHARMING FAYAWAY
+  AGAINST ANY BEAUTY IN THE WORLD]
+
+The following morning, awakening rather late, I perceived the whole of
+Marheyo's family busily engaged in preparing for the festival. The old
+warrior himself was arranging in round balls the two grey locks of hair
+that were suffered to grow from the crown of his head; his earrings and
+spear, both well polished, lay beside him, while the highly decorative
+pair of shoes hung suspended from a projecting cane against the side of
+the house. The young men were similarly employed; and the fair damsels,
+including Fayaway, were anointing themselves with "aka," arranging their
+long tresses, and performing other matters connected with the duties of
+the toilet.
+
+Having completed their preparations, the girls now exhibited themselves in
+gala costume; the most conspicuous feature of which was a necklace of
+beautiful white flowers, with the stems removed, and strung closely
+together upon a single fibre of tappa. Corresponding ornaments were
+inserted in their ears, and woven garlands upon their heads. About their
+waist they wore a short tunic of spotless white tappa, and some of them
+superadded to this a mantle of the same material, tied in an elaborate bow
+upon the left shoulder, and falling about the figure in picturesque folds.
+
+Thus arrayed, I would have matched the charming Fayaway against any beauty
+in the world.
+
+People may say what they will about the taste evinced by our fashionable
+ladies in dress. Their jewels, their feathers, their silks and their
+furbelows would have sunk into utter insignificance beside the exquisite
+simplicity of attire adopted by the nymphs of the vale on this festive
+occasion. I should like to have seen a gallery of coronation beauties, at
+Westminster Abbey, confronted for a moment by this band of Island girls;
+their stiffness, formality, and affectation contrasted with the artless
+vivacity and unconcealed natural graces of these savage maidens. It would
+be the Venus de Medici placed beside a milliner's doll.
+
+It was not long before Kory-Kory and myself were left alone in the house,
+the rest of its inmates having departed for the Taboo Groves. My valet was
+all impatience to follow them; and was as fidgety about my dilatory
+movements as a diner out waiting hat in hand at the bottom of the stairs
+for some lagging companion. At last, yielding to his importunities, I set
+out for the Ti. As we passed the houses peeping out from the groves
+through which our route lay, I noticed that they were entirely deserted by
+their inhabitants.
+
+When we reached the rock that abruptly terminated the path, and concealed
+from us the festive scene, wild shouts and a confused blending of voices
+assured me that the occasion, whatever it might be, had drawn together a
+great multitude. Kory-Kory, previous to mounting the elevation, paused for
+a moment, like a dandy at a ball-room door, to put a hasty finish to his
+toilet. During this short interval, the thought struck me that I ought
+myself perhaps to be taking some little pains with my appearance. But as I
+had no holiday raiment, I was not a little puzzled to devise some means of
+decorating myself. However, as I felt desirous to create a sensation, I
+determined to do all that lay in my power; and knowing that I could not
+delight the savages more than by conforming to their style of dress, I
+removed from my person the large robe of tappa which I was accustomed to
+wear over my shoulders whenever I sallied into the open air, and remained
+merely girt about with a short tunic descending from my waist to my knees.
+
+My quick-witted attendant fully appreciated the compliment I was paying to
+the costume of his race, and began more sedulously to arrange the folds of
+the one only garment which remained to me. Whilst he was doing this, I
+caught sight of a knot of young girls, who were sitting near us on the
+grass surrounded by heaps of flowers, which they were forming into
+garlands. I motioned to them to bring some of their handy-work to me; and
+in an instant a dozen wreaths were at my disposal. One of them I put round
+the apology for a hat which I had been forced to construct for myself out
+of palmetto-leaves, and some of the others I converted into a splendid
+girdle. These operations finished, with a slow and dignified step of a
+full-dressed beau I ascended the rock.
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER XXII
+
+
+                         The Feast of Calabashes.
+
+
+The whole population of the valley seemed to be gathered within the
+precincts of the grove. In the distance could be seen the long front of
+the Ti, its immense piazza swarming with men, arrayed in every variety of
+fantastic costume, and all vociferating with animated gestures; while the
+whole interval between it and the place where I stood was enlivened by
+groups of females fancifully decorated, dancing, capering, and uttering
+wild exclamations. As soon as they descried me they set up a shout of
+welcome; and a band of them came dancing towards me, chanting as they
+approached some wild recitative. The change in my garb seemed to transport
+them with delight, and clustering about me on all sides, they accompanied
+me towards the Ti. When, however, we drew near it, these joyous nymphs
+paused in their career, and parting on either side, permitted me to pass
+on to the now densely thronged building.
+
+So soon as I mounted to the pi-pi I saw at a glance that the revels were
+fairly under way.
+
+What lavish plenty reigned around!--Warwick feasting his retainers with
+beef and ale, was a niggard to the noble Mehevi!--All along the piazza of
+the Ti were arranged elaborately-carved canoe-shaped vessels, some twenty
+feet in length, filled with newly-made poee-poee, and sheltered from the
+sun by the broad leaves of the banana. At intervals were heaps of green
+bread-fruit, raised in pyramidical stacks, resembling the regular piles of
+heavy shot to be seen in the yard of an arsenal. Inserted into the
+interstices of the huge stones which formed the pi-pi were large boughs of
+trees; hanging from the branches of which, and screened from the sun by
+their foliage, were innumerable little packages with leafy coverings
+containing the meat of the numerous hogs which had been slain, done up in
+this manner to make it more accessible to the crowd. Leaning against the
+railing of the piazza were an immense number of long, heavy bamboos,
+plugged at the lower end, and with their projecting muzzles stuffed with a
+wad of leaves. These were filled with water from the stream, and each of
+them might hold from four to five gallons.
+
+The banquet being thus spread, nought remained but for every one to help
+himself at his pleasure. Accordingly, not a moment passed but the
+transplanted boughs I have mentioned were rifled by the throng of the
+fruit they certainly had never borne before. Calabashes of poee-poee were
+continually being replenished from the extensive receptacle in which that
+article was stored, and multitudes of little fires were kindled about the
+Ti for the purpose of roasting the bread-fruit.
+
+Within the building itself was presented a most extraordinary scene. The
+immense lounge of mats lying between the parallel rows of the trunks of
+cocoa-nut trees, and extending the entire length of the house, at least
+two hundred feet, was covered by the reclining forms of a host of chiefs
+and warriors, who were eating at a great rate, or soothing the cares of
+Polynesian life in the sedative fumes of tobacco. The smoke was inhaled
+from large pipes, the bowls of which, made out of small cocoa-nut shells,
+were curiously carved in strange heathenish devices. These were passed
+from mouth to mouth by the recumbent smokers, each of whom, taking two or
+three prodigious whiffs, handed the pipe to his neighbour; sometimes for
+that purpose stretching indolently across the body of some dozing
+individual whose exertions at the dinner-table had already induced sleep.
+
+The tobacco used among the Typees was of a very mild and pleasing flavour,
+and as I always saw it in leaves, and the natives appeared pretty well
+supplied with it, I was led to believe that it must have been the growth
+of the valley. Indeed Kory-Kory gave me to understand that this was the
+case; but I never saw a single plant growing on the island. At Nukuheva,
+and I believe, in all the other valleys, the weed is very scarce, being
+only obtained in small quantities from foreigners, and smoking is
+consequently with the inhabitants of these places a very great luxury. How
+it was that the Typees were so well furnished with it I cannot divine. I
+should think them too indolent to devote any attention to its culture;
+and, indeed, as far as my observation extended not a single atom of the
+soil was under any other cultivation than that of shower and sunshine. The
+tobacco-plant, however, like the sugar-cane, may grow wild in some remote
+part of the vale.
+
+There were many in the Ti for whom the tobacco did not furnish a
+sufficient stimulus, and who accordingly had recourse to "arva," as a more
+powerful agent in producing the desired effect.
+
+"Arva" is a root very generally dispersed over the South Seas, and from it
+is extracted a juice, the effects of which upon the system are at first
+stimulating in a moderate degree; but it soon relaxes the muscles, and,
+exerting a narcotic influence, produces a luxurious sleep. In the valley
+this beverage was universally prepared in the following way:--Some
+half-dozen young boys seated themselves in a circle around an empty wooden
+vessel, each one of them being supplied with a certain quantity of the
+roots of the "arva," broken into small bits and laid by his side. A
+cocoa-nut goblet of water was passed around the juvenile company, who
+rinsing their mouth with its contents, proceeded to the business before
+them. This merely consisted in thoroughly masticating the "arva," and
+throwing it mouthful after mouthful into the receptacle provided. When a
+sufficient quantity had been thus obtained, water was poured upon the
+mass, and being stirred about with the forefinger of the right hand, the
+preparation was soon in readiness for use. The "arva" has medicinal
+qualities.
+
+Upon the Sandwich Islands it has been employed with no small success in
+the treatment of scrofulous affections, and in combating the ravages of a
+disease which for so many years has been gradually depopulating those fine
+and interesting islands. But the tenants of the Typee valley, as yet
+exempt from these inflictions, generally employ the "arva" as a minister
+to social enjoyment, and a calabash of the liquid circulates among them as
+the bottle with us.
+
+Mehevi, who was greatly delighted with the change in my costume, gave me a
+cordial welcome. He had reserved for me a most delectable mess of
+"cockoo," well knowing my partiality for that dish; and had likewise
+selected three or four young cocoa-nuts, several roasted bread-fruit, and
+a magnificent bunch of bananas, for my especial comfort and gratification.
+These various matters were at once placed before me; but Kory-Kory deemed
+the banquet entirely insufficient for my wants until he had supplied me
+with one of the leafy packages of pork, which, notwithstanding the
+somewhat hasty manner in which it had been prepared, possessed a most
+excellent flavour, and was surprisingly sweet and tender.
+
+Pork is not a staple article of food among the people of the Marquesas,
+consequently they pay little attention to the breeding of the swine. The
+hogs are permitted to roam at large in the groves, where they obtain no
+small portion of their nourishment from the cocoa-nuts which continually
+fall from the trees. But it is only after infinite labour and difficulty,
+that the hungry animal can pierce the husk and shell so as to get at the
+meat. I have frequently been amused at seeing one of them, after crunching
+the obstinate nut with his teeth for a long time unsuccessfully, get into
+a violent passion with it. He would then root furiously under the
+cocoa-nut, and, with a fling of his snout, toss it before him on the
+ground. Following it up, he would crunch at it again savagely for a
+moment, and the next knock it on one side, pausing immediately after, as
+if wondering how it could so suddenly have disappeared. In this way the
+persecuted cocoa-nuts were often chased half across the valley.
+
+The second day of the Feast of Calabashes was ushered in by still more
+uproarious noises than the first. The skins of innumerable sheep seemed to
+be resounding to the blows of an army of drummers. Startled from my
+slumbers by the din, I leaped up, and found the whole household engaged in
+making preparations for immediate departure. Curious to discover of what
+strange events these novel sounds might be the precursors, and not a
+little desirous to catch a sight of the instruments which produced the
+terrific noise, I accompanied the natives as soon as they were in
+readiness to depart for the Taboo Groves.
+
+The comparatively open space that extended from the Ti toward the rock, to
+which I have before alluded as forming the ascent to the place, was, with
+the building itself, now altogether deserted by the men; the whole
+distance being filled by bands of females, shouting and dancing under the
+influence of some strange excitement.
+
+I was amused at the appearance of four or five old women, who in a state
+of utter nudity, with their arms extended flatly down their side, and
+holding themselves perfectly erect, were leaping stiffly into the air,
+like so many sticks bobbing to the surface, after being pressed
+perpendicularly into the water. They preserved the utmost gravity of
+countenance, and continued their extraordinary movements without a single
+moment's cessation. They did not appear to attract the observation of the
+crowd around them, but I must candidly confess that, for my own part, I
+stared at them most pertinaciously.
+
+Desirous of being enlightened in regard to the meaning of this peculiar
+diversion, I turned inquiringly to Kory-Kory: that learned Typee
+immediately proceeded to explain the whole matter thoroughly. But all that
+I could comprehend from what he said was, that the leaping figures before
+me were bereaved widows, whose partners had been slain in battle many
+moons previously; and who, at every festival, gave public evidence in this
+manner of their calamities. It was evident that Kory-Kory considered this
+an all-sufficient reason for so indecorous a custom; but I must say that
+it did not satisfy me as to its propriety.
+
+Leaving these afflicted females, we passed on to the Hoolah Hoolah ground.
+Within the spacious quadrangle, the whole population of the valley seemed
+to be assembled, and the sight presented was truly remarkable. Beneath the
+sheds of bamboo which opened towards the interior of the square, reclined
+the principal chiefs and warriors, while a miscellaneous throng lay at
+their ease under the enormous trees, which spread a majestic canopy
+overhead. Upon the terraces of the gigantic altars, at either end, were
+deposited green bread-fruit in baskets of cocoa-nut leaves, large rolls of
+tappa, bunches of white bananas, clusters of mammee-apples, the
+golden-hued fruit of the artu tree, and baked hogs, laid out in large
+wooden trenchers, fancifully decorated with freshly-plucked leaves, whilst
+a variety of rude implements of war were piled in confused heaps before
+the ranks of hideous idols. Fruits of various kinds were likewise
+suspended in leafen baskets, from the tops of poles planted uprightly, and
+at regular intervals, along the lower terraces of both altars. At their
+base were arranged two parallel rows of cumbersome drums, standing at
+least fifteen feet in height, and formed from the hollow trunks of large
+trees. Their heads were covered with shark skins, and their barrels were
+elaborately carved with various quaint figures and devices. At regular
+intervals, they were bound round by a species of sinnate of various
+colours, and strips of native cloth flattened upon them here and there.
+Behind these instruments were built slight platforms, upon which stood a
+number of young men, who, beating violently with the palms of their hands
+upon the drum-heads, produced those outrageous sounds which had awakened
+me in the morning. Every few minutes these musical performers hopped down
+from their elevation into the crowd below, and their places were
+immediately supplied by fresh recruits. Thus an incessant din was kept up
+that might have startled Pandemonium.
+
+Precisely in the middle of the quadrangle were placed perpendicularly in
+the ground a hundred or more slender, fresh-cut poles, stripped of their
+bark, and decorated at the end with a floating pennon of white tappa, the
+whole being fenced about with a little picket of canes. For what purpose
+these singular ornaments were intended, I in vain endeavoured to discover.
+
+Another most striking feature of the performance was exhibited by a score
+of old men, who sat cross-legged in the little pulpits, which encircled
+the trunks of the immense trees growing in the middle of the enclosure.
+These venerable gentlemen, who I presume were the priests, kept up an
+uninterrupted monotonous chant, which was nearly drowned in the roar of
+drums. In the right hand they held a finely-woven grass fan, with a heavy
+black wooden handle, curiously chased: these fans they kept in continual
+motion.
+
+But no attention whatever seemed to be paid to the drummers or to the old
+priests, the individuals who composed the vast crowd present being
+entirely taken up in chatting and laughing with one another, smoking,
+drinking arva, and eating. For all the observation it attracted, or the
+good it achieved, the whole savage orchestra might, with great advantage
+to its own members and the company in general, have ceased the prodigious
+uproar they were making.
+
+In vain I questioned Kory-Kory and others of the natives, as to the
+meaning of the strange things that were going on; all their explanations
+were conveyed in such a mass of outlandish gibberish and gesticulation
+that I gave up the attempt in despair. All that day the drums resounded,
+the priests chanted, and the multitude feasted and roared till sunset,
+when the throng dispersed, and the Taboo Groves were again abandoned to
+quiet and repose. The next day the same scene was repeated until night,
+when this singular festival terminated.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXIII
+
+
+       Ideas suggested by the Feast of Calabashes--Effigy of a dead
+    warrior--A singular superstition--The priest Kolory and the god Moa
+    Artua--Amazing religious observance--A dilapidated shrine--Kory-Kory
+                        and the idol--An inference.
+
+
+Although I had been baffled in my attempts to learn the origin of the
+Feast of Calabashes, yet it seemed very plain to me that it was
+principally, if not wholly, of a religious character.
+
+Yet, notwithstanding all I observed on this occasion, I am free to confess
+my almost entire inability to gratify any curiosity that may be felt with
+regard to the theology of the valley. I doubt whether the inhabitants
+themselves could do so. They are either too lazy or too sensible to worry
+themselves about abstract points of religious belief. While I was among
+them, they never held any synods or councils to settle the principles of
+their faith by agitating them. An unbounded liberty of conscience seemed
+to prevail. Those who pleased to do so were allowed to repose implicit
+faith in an ill-favoured god, with a large bottle-nose, and fat shapeless
+arms crossed upon his breast; whilst others worshipped an image which,
+having no likeness either in heaven or on earth, could hardly be called an
+idol. As the islanders always maintained a discreet reserve with regard to
+my own peculiar views on religion, I thought it would be excessively
+ill-bred in me to pry into theirs.
+
+But, although my knowledge of the religious faith of the Typees was
+unavoidably limited, one of their superstitious observances with which I
+became acquainted interested me greatly.
+
+In one of the most secluded portions of the valley, within a stone's cast
+of Fayaway's lake--for so I christened the scene of our island yachting--and
+hard by a growth of palms, which stood ranged in order along both banks of
+the stream, waving their green arms as if to do honour to its passage, was
+the mausoleum of a deceased warrior-chief. Like all the other edifices of
+any note, it was raised upon a small pi-pi of stones, which, being of
+unusual height, was a conspicuous object from a distance. A light
+thatching of bleached palmetto-leaves hung over it like a self-supported
+canopy; for it was not until you came very near that you saw it was
+supported by four slender columns of bamboo, rising at each corner to a
+little more than the height of a man. A clear area of a few yards
+surrounded the pi-pi, and was enclosed by four trunks of cocoa-nut trees,
+resting at the angles on massive blocks of stone. The place was sacred.
+The sign of the inscrutable Taboo was seen, in the shape of a mystic roll
+of white tappa, suspended by a twisted cord of the same material from the
+top of a slight pole planted within the enclosure.(3) The sanctity of the
+spot appeared never to have been violated. The stillness of the grave was
+there, and the calm solitude around was beautiful and touching. The soft
+shadows of those lofty palm trees--I can see them now--hanging over the
+little temple, as if to keep out the intrusive sun.
+
+On all sides, as you approached this silent spot, you caught sight of the
+dead chief's effigy, seated in the stern of a canoe, which was raised on a
+light frame a few inches above the level of the pi-pi. The canoe was about
+seven feet in length; of a rich, dark-coloured wood, handsomely carved,
+and adorned in many places with variegated bindings of stained sinnate,
+into which were ingeniously wrought a number of sparkling sea-shells, and
+a belt of the same shells ran all round it. The body of the figure--of
+whatever material it might have been made--was effectually concealed in a
+heavy robe of brown tappa, revealing only the hands and head; the latter
+skilfully carved in wood, and surmounted by a superb arch of plumes. These
+plumes, in the subdued and gentle gales which found access to this
+sequestered spot, were never for one moment at rest, but kept nodding and
+waving over the chief's brow. The long leaves of the palmetto dropped over
+the eaves, and through them you saw the warrior, holding his paddle with
+both hands in the act of rowing, leaning forward and inclining his head,
+as if eager to hurry on his voyage. Glaring at him for ever, and face to
+face, was a polished human skull, which crowned the prow of the canoe. The
+spectral figure-head, reversed in its position, glancing backwards, seemed
+to mock the impatient attitude of the warrior.
+
+When I first visited this singular place with Kory-Kory, he told me--or, at
+least, I so understood him--that the chief was paddling his way to the
+realms of bliss and bread-fruit--the Polynesian heaven--where every moment
+the bread-fruit trees dropped their ripened spheres to the ground, and
+where there was no end to the cocoa-nuts and bananas; there they reposed
+through the live-long eternity upon mats much finer than those of Typee;
+and every day bathed their glowing limbs in rivers of cocoa-nut oil. In
+that happy land there were plenty of plumes and feathers, and boars'-tusks
+and sperm-whale teeth, far preferable to all the shining trinkets and gay
+tappa of the white men; and, best of all, women, far lovelier than the
+daughters of earth, were there in abundance. "A very pleasant place,"
+Kory-Kory said it was; "but, after all, not much pleasanter, he thought,
+than Typee." "Did he not, then," I asked him, "wish to accompany the
+warrior?" "Oh, no; he was very happy where he was; but supposed that some
+time or other he would go in his own canoe."
+
+Thus far, I think, I clearly comprehended Kory-Kory. But there was a
+singular expression he made use of at the time, enforced by as singular a
+gesture, the meaning of which I would have given much to penetrate. I am
+inclined to believe it must have been a proverb he uttered; for I
+afterwards heard him repeat the same words several times, and in what
+appeared to me to be a somewhat similar sense. Indeed, Kory-Kory had a
+great variety of short, smart-sounding sentences, with which he frequently
+enlivened his discourse; and he introduced them with an air which plainly
+intimated, that, in his opinion, they settled the matter in question,
+whatever it might be.
+
+Could it have been, then, that when I asked him whether he desired to go
+to this heaven of bread-fruit, cocoa-nuts, and young ladies, which he had
+been describing, he answered by saying something equivalent to our old
+adage--"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush!"--if he did, Kory-Kory
+was a discreet and sensible fellow, and I cannot sufficiently admire his
+shrewdness.
+
+Whenever, in the course of my rambles through the valley, I happened to be
+near the chief's mausoleum, I always turned aside to visit it. The place
+had a peculiar charm for me; I hardly know why, but so it was. As I leaned
+over the railing and gazed upon the strange effigy, and watched the play
+of the feathery head-dress, stirred by the same breeze which in low tones
+breathed amidst the lofty palm trees, I loved to yield myself up to the
+fanciful superstition of the islanders, and could almost believe that the
+grim warrior was bound heavenward. In this mood, when I turned to depart,
+I bade him, "God speed, and a pleasant voyage." Ay, paddle away, brave
+chieftain, to the land of spirits! To the material eye thou makest but
+little progress, but, with the eye of faith, I see thy canoe cleaving the
+bright waves, which die away on those dimly looming shores of Paradise.
+
+This strange superstition affords another evidence of the fact, that
+however ignorant man may be, he still feels within him his immortal spirit
+yearning after the unknown future.
+
+Although the religious theories of the islands were a complete mystery to
+me, their practical every-day operation could not be concealed. I
+frequently passed the little temples reposing in the shadows of the Taboo
+Groves, and beheld the offerings--mouldy fruit spread out upon a rude
+altar, or hanging in half-decayed baskets around some uncouth,
+jolly-looking images. I was present during the continuance of the
+festival. I daily beheld the grinning idols marshalled rank and file in
+the Hoolah Hoolah ground, and was often in the habit of meeting those whom
+I supposed to be the priests. But the temples seemed to be abandoned to
+solitude; the festival had been nothing more than a jovial mingling of the
+tribe; the idols were quite as harmless as any other logs of wood; and the
+priests were the merriest dogs in the valley.
+
+In fact, religious affairs in Typee were at a very low ebb. All such
+matters sat very lightly upon the thoughtless inhabitants; and, in the
+celebration of many of their strange rites, they appeared merely to seek a
+sort of childish amusement.
+
+A curious evidence of this was given in a remarkable ceremony, in which I
+frequently saw Mehevi and several other chiefs and warriors of note take
+part; but never a single female.
+
+Among those whom I looked upon as forming the priesthood of the valley,
+there was one in particular who often attracted my notice, and whom I
+could not help regarding as the head of the order. He was a noble-looking
+man, in the prime of his life, and of a most benignant aspect. The
+authority this man, whose name was Kolory, seemed to exercise over the
+rest, the episcopal part he took in the Feast of Calabashes, his sleek and
+complacent appearance, the mystic characters which were tattooed upon his
+chest, and, above all, the mitre he frequently wore, in the shape of a
+towering head-dress, consisting of part of a cocoa-nut branch, the stalk
+planted uprightly on his brow, and the leaflets gathered together and
+passed round the temples and behind the ears, all these pointed him out as
+Lord Primate of Typee. Kolory was a sort of Knight Templar--a
+soldier-priest; for he often wore the dress of a Marquesan warrior, and
+always carried a long spear, which, instead of terminating in a paddle at
+the lower end, after the general fashion of these weapons, was curved into
+a heathenish-looking little image. This instrument, however, might perhaps
+have been emblematic of his double functions. With one end, in carnal
+combat he tranfixed the enemies of his tribe; and with the other, as a
+pastoral crook, he kept in order his spiritual flock. But this is not all
+I have to about Kolory. His martial grace very often carried about with
+him what seemed to me the half of a broken war-club. It was swathed round
+with ragged bits of white tappa, and the upper part, which was intended to
+represent a human head, was embellished with a strip of scarlet cloth of
+European manufacture. It required little observation to discover that this
+strange object was revered as a god. By the side of the big and lusty
+images standing sentinel over the altars of the Hoolah Hoolah ground, it
+seemed a mere pigmy in tatters. But appearances all the world over are
+deceptive. Little men are sometimes very potent, and rags sometimes cover
+very extensive pretensions. In fact, this funny little image was the
+"crack" god of the island; lording it over all the wooden lubbers who
+looked so grim and dreadful; its name was Moa Artua.(4) And it was in
+honour of Moa Artua, and for the entertainment of those who believe in
+him, that the curious ceremony I am about to describe was observed.
+
+Mehevi and the chieftains of the Ti have just risen from their noontide
+slumbers. There are no affairs of state to dispose of; and having eaten
+two or three breakfasts in the course of the morning, the magnates of the
+valley feel no appetite as yet for dinner. How are their leisure moments
+to be occupied? They smoke, they chat, and at last one of their number
+makes a proposition to the rest, who joyfully acquiescing, he darts out of
+the house, leaps from the pi-pi, and disappears in the grove. Soon you see
+him returning with Kolory, who bears the god Moa Artua in his arms, and
+carries in one hand a small trough, hollowed out in the likeness of a
+canoe. The priest comes along dangling his charge as if it were a
+lachrymose infant he was endeavouring to put into a good humour.
+Presently, entering the Ti, he seats himself on the mats as composedly as
+a juggler about to perform his sleight-of-hand tricks; and, with the
+chiefs disposed in a circle around him, commences his ceremony.
+
+In the first place he gives Moa Artua an affectionate hug, then
+caressingly lays him to his breast, and, finally, whispers something in
+his ear, the rest of the company listening eagerly for a reply. But the
+baby-god is deaf or dumb,--perhaps both, for never a word does he utter. At
+last Kolory speaks a little louder, and soon growing angry, comes boldly
+out with what he has to say, and bawls to him. He put me in mind of a
+choleric fellow, who, after trying in vain to communicate a secret to a
+deaf man, all at once flies into a passion and screams it out so that
+every one may hear. Still Moa Artua remains as quiet as ever, and Kolory,
+seemingly losing his temper, fetches him a box over the head, strips him
+of his tappa and red cloth, and, laying him in a state of nudity in a
+little trough, covers him from sight. At this proceeding all present
+loudly applaud, and signify their approval by uttering the adjective
+"motarkee" with violent emphasis. Kolory, however, is so desirous his
+conduct should meet with unqualified approbation, that he inquires of each
+individual separately whether, under existing circumstances, he has not
+done perfectly right in shutting up Moa Artua. The invariable response is
+"Aa, Aa" (yes, yes), repeated over again and again in a manner which ought
+to quiet the scruples of the most conscientious. After a few moments
+Kolory brings forth his doll again, and, while arraying it very carefully
+in the tappa and red cloth, alternately fondles and chides it. The toilet
+being completed, he once more speaks to it aloud. The whole company
+hereupon show the greatest interest; while the priest, holding Moa Artua
+to his ear, interprets to them what he pretends the god is confidentially
+communicating to him. Some items of intelligence appear to tickle all
+present amazingly; for one claps his hands in a rapture; another shouts
+with merriment; and a third leaps to his feet and capers about like a
+madman.
+
+What under the sun Moa Artua on these occasions had to say to Kolory I
+never could find out; but I could not help thinking that the former showed
+a sad want of spirit in being disciplined into making those disclosures,
+which at first he seemed bent on withholding. Whether the priest honestly
+interpreted what he believed the divinity said to him, or whether he was
+not all the while guilty of a vile humbug, I shall not presume to decide.
+At any rate, whatever, as coming from the god, was imparted to those
+present, seemed to be generally of a complimentary nature--a fact which
+illustrates the sagacity of Kolory, or else the time-serving disposition
+of this hardly-used deity.
+
+Moa Artua having nothing more to say, his bearer goes to nursing him
+again, in which occupation, however, he is soon interrupted by a question
+put by one of the warriors to the god. Kolory hereupon snatches it up to
+his ear again, and after listening attentively, once more officiates as
+the organ of communication. A multitude of questions and answers having
+passed between the parties, much to the satisfaction of those who propose
+them, the god is put tenderly to bed in the trough, and the whole company
+unite in a long chant, led off by Kolory. This ended, the ceremony is
+over; the chiefs rise to their feet in high good humour, and my Lord
+Archbishop, after chatting awhile, and regaling himself with a whiff or
+two from a pipe of tobacco, tucks the canoe under his arm and marches off
+with it.
+
+The whole of these proceedings were like those of a parcel of children
+playing with dolls and baby-houses.
+
+For a youngster scarcely ten inches high, and with so few early advantages
+as he doubtless had had, Moa Artua was certainly a precocious little
+fellow, if he really said all that was imputed to him; but for what reason
+this poor devil of a deity, thus cuffed about, cajoled, and shut up in a
+box, was held in greater estimation than the full-grown and dignified
+personages of the Taboo Groves, I cannot divine. And yet Mehevi, and other
+chiefs of unquestionable veracity--to say nothing of the Primate
+himself--assured me over and over again that Moa Artua was the tutelary
+deity of Typee, and was more to be held in honour than a whole battalion
+of the clumsy idols in the Hoolah Hoolah grounds. Kory-Kory--who seemed to
+have devoted considerable attention to the study of theology, as he knew
+the names of all the graven images in the valley, and often repeated them
+over to me--likewise entertained some rather enlarged ideas with regard to
+the character and pretensions of Moa Artua. He once gave me to understand,
+with a gesture there was no misconceiving, that if he (Moa Artua) were so
+minded, he could cause a cocoa-nut tree to sprout out of his (Kory-Kory's)
+head; and that it would be the easiest thing in life for him (Moa Artua)
+to take the whole island of Nukuheva in his mouth, and dive down to the
+bottom of the sea with it.
+
+But, in sober seriousness, I hardly knew what to make of the religion of
+the valley. There was nothing that so much perplexed the illustrious Cook,
+in his intercourse with the South Sea islanders, as their sacred rites.
+Although this prince of navigators was in many instances assisted by
+interpreters in the prosecution of his researches, he still frankly
+acknowledges that he was at a loss to obtain anything like a clear insight
+into the puzzling arcana of their faith. A similar admission has been made
+by other eminent voyagers,--by Carteret, Byron, Kotzebue, and Vancouver.
+
+For my own part, although hardly a day passed while I remained upon the
+island that I did not witness some religious ceremony or other, it was
+very much like seeing a parcel of "Freemasons" making secret signs to each
+other: I saw everything, but could comprehend nothing.
+
+On the whole, I am inclined to believe that the islanders in the Pacific
+have no fixed and definite ideas whatever on the subject of religion. I am
+persuaded that Kolory himself would be effectually posed were he called
+upon to draw up the articles of his faith, and pronounce the creed by
+which he hoped to be saved. In truth, the Typees, so far as their actions
+evince, submitted to no laws, human or divine--always excepting the thrice
+mysterious Taboo. The "independent electors" of the valley were not to be
+browbeaten by chiefs, priests, idols, or devils. As for the luckless
+idols, they received more hard knocks than supplications. I do not wonder
+that some of them looked so grim, and stood so bolt upright, as if fearful
+of looking to the right or the left, lest they should give any one
+offence. The fact is, they had to carry themselves "_pretty straight_," or
+suffer the consequences. Their worshippers were such a precious set of
+fickle-minded and irreverent heathens, that there was no telling when they
+might topple one of them over, break it to pieces, and making a fire with
+it on the very altar itself, fall to roasting the offerings of
+bread-fruit, and eat them in spite of its teeth.
+
+In how little reverence these unfortunate deities were held by the
+natives, was on one occasion most convincingly proved to me. Walking with
+Kory-Kory through the deepest recesses of the groves, I perceived a
+curious-looking image about six feet in height, which originally had been
+placed upright against a low pi-pi, surmounted by a ruinous bamboo temple,
+but having become fatigued and weak in the knees, was now carelessly
+leaning against it. The idol was partly concealed by the foliage of a tree
+which stood near, and whose leafy boughs drooped over the pile of stones,
+as if to protect the rude fane from the decay to which it was rapidly
+hastening. The image itself was nothing more than a grotesquely-shaped
+log, carved in the likeness of a portly naked man, with the arms clasped
+over the head, the jaws thrown wide apart, and its thick shapeless legs
+bowed into an arch. It was much decayed. The lower part was overgrown with
+a bright silky moss. Thin spears of grass sprouted from the distended
+mouth, and fringed the outline of the head and arms. His godship had
+literally attained a green old age. All its prominent points were bruised
+and battered or entirely rotted away. The nose had taken its departure,
+and from the general appearance of the head, it might have been supposed
+that the wooden divinity, in despair at the neglect of its worshippers,
+had been trying to beat its own brains out against the surrounding trees.
+
+I drew near, to inspect more closely this strange object of idolatry, but
+halted reverently at the distance of two or three paces, out of regard of
+the religious prejudices of my valet. As soon, however, as Kory-Kory
+perceived that I was in one of my inquiring, scientific moods, to my
+astonishment he sprang to the side of the idol, and pushing it away from
+the stones against which it rested, endeavoured to make it stand upon its
+legs. But the divinity had lost the use of them altogether; and while
+Kory-Kory was trying to prop it up, by placing a stick between it and
+pi-pi, the monster fell clumsily to the ground, and would infallibly have
+broken its neck had not Kory-Kory providentially broken its fall, by
+receiving its whole weight on his own half-crushed back. I never saw the
+honest fellow in such a rage before. He leaped furiously to his feet, and,
+seizing the stick, began beating the poor image, every moment or two
+pausing and talking to it in the most violent manner, as if upbraiding it
+for the accident. When his indignation had subsided a little, he whirled
+the idol about most profanely, so as to give me an opportunity of
+examining it on all sides. I am quite sure I never should have presumed to
+have taken such liberties with the god myself, and I was not a little
+shocked at Kory-Kory's impiety.
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER XXIV
+
+
+     General information gathered at the festival--Personal beauty of
+      the Typees--Their superiority over the inhabitants of the other
+         islands--Diversity of complexion--A vegetable cosmetic and
+       ointment--Testimony of voyagers to the uncommon beauty of the
+          Marquesans--Few evidences of intercourse with civilized
+    beings--Dilapidated musket--Primitive simplicity of government--Regal
+                            dignity of Mehevi.
+
+
+Although I had been unable during the late festival to obtain information
+on many interesting subjects which had much excited my curiosity, still
+that important event had not passed by without adding materially to my
+general knowledge of the islanders.
+
+I was especially struck by the physical strength and beauty which they
+displayed, by their great superiority in these respects over the
+inhabitants of the neighbouring bay of Nukuheva, and by the singular
+contrasts they presented among themselves in their various shades of
+complexion.
+
+In beauty of form they surpassed anything I had ever seen. Not a single
+instance of natural deformity was observable in all the throng attending
+the revels. Occasionally I noticed among the men the scars of wounds they
+had received in battle; and sometimes, though very seldom, the loss of a
+finger, an eye, or an arm, attributable to the same cause. With these
+exceptions, every individual appeared free from those blemishes which
+sometimes mar the effect of an otherwise perfect form. But their physical
+excellence did not merely consist in an exemption from these evils; nearly
+every individual of their number might have been taken for a sculptor's
+model.
+
+When I remembered that these islanders derived no advantage from dress,
+but appeared in all the naked simplicity of nature, I could not avoid
+comparing them with the fine gentlemen and dandies who promenade such
+unexceptional figures in our frequented thoroughfares. Stripped of the
+cunning artifices of the tailor, and standing forth in the garb of
+Eden,--what a sorry set of round-shouldered, spindle-shanked, crane-necked
+varlets would civilized men appear! Stuffed calves, padded breasts, and
+scientifically cut pantaloons would then avail them nothing, and the
+effect would be truly deplorable.
+
+Nothing in the appearance of the islanders struck me more forcibly than
+the whiteness of their teeth. The novelist always compares the masticators
+of his heroine to ivory; but I boldly pronounce the teeth of the Typees to
+be far more beautiful than ivory itself. The jaws of the oldest greybeards
+among them were much better garnished than those of the youths of
+civilized countries; while the teeth of the young and middle-aged, in
+their purity and whiteness, were actually dazzling to the eye. This
+marvellous whiteness of the teeth is to be ascribed to the pure vegetable
+diet of these people, and the uninterrupted healthfulness of their natural
+mode of life.
+
+The men, in almost every instance, are of lofty stature, scarcely ever
+less than six feet in height, while the other sex are uncommonly
+diminutive. The early period of life at which the human form arrives at
+maturity in this generous tropical climate likewise deserves to be
+mentioned. A little creature, not more than thirteen years of age, who in
+other particulars might be regarded as a mere child, is often seen nursing
+her own baby; whilst lads who, under less ripening skies, would be still
+at school, are here responsible fathers of families.
+
+On first entering the Typee valley, I had been struck with the marked
+contrast presented by its inhabitants with those of the bay I had
+previously left. In the latter place, I had not been favourably impressed
+with the personal appearance of the male portion of the population;
+although with the females, excepting in some truly melancholy instances, I
+had been wonderfully pleased.
+
+Apart, however, from these considerations, I am inclined to believe that
+there exists a radical difference between the two tribes, if indeed they
+are not distinct races of men. To those who have merely touched at
+Nukuheva Bay, without visiting other portions of the island, would hardly
+appear credible the diversities presented between the various small clans
+inhabiting so diminutive a spot. But the hereditary hostility which has
+existed between them for ages fully accounts for this.
+
+Not so easy, however, is it to assign an adequate cause for the endless
+variety of complexions to be seen in the Typee valley. During the
+festival, I had noticed several young females whose skins were almost as
+white as any Saxon damsel's, a slight dash of the mantling brown being all
+that marked the difference. This comparative fairness of complexion,
+though in a great degree perfectly natural, is partly the result of an
+artificial process, and of an entire exclusion from the sun. The juice of
+the "papa" root, found in great abundance at the head of the valley, is
+held in great esteem as a cosmetic, with which many of the females daily
+anoint their whole person. The habitual use of it whitens and beautifies
+the skin. Those of the young girls who resort to this method of
+heightening their charms, never expose themselves to the rays of the sun;
+an observance, however, that produces little or no inconvenience, since
+there are but few of the inhabited portions of the vale which are not
+shaded over with a spreading canopy of boughs, so that one may journey
+from house to house, scarcely deviating from the direct course, and yet
+never once see his shadow cast upon the ground.
+
+The "papa," when used, is suffered to remain upon the skin for several
+hours; being of a light green colour, it consequently imparts for the time
+a similar hue to the complexion. Nothing, therefore, can be imagined more
+singular than the appearance of these nearly naked damsels immediately
+after the application of the cosmetic. To look at one of them you would
+almost suppose she was some vegetable in an unripe state; and that,
+instead of living in the shade for ever, she ought to be placed out in the
+sun to ripen.
+
+All the islanders are more or less in the habit of anointing themselves;
+the women preferring the "aker" or "papa," and the men using the oil of
+the cocoa-nut. Mehevi was remarkably fond of mollifying his entire cuticle
+with this ointment. Sometimes he might be seen with his whole body fairly
+reeking with the perfumed oil of the nut, looking as if he had just
+emerged from a soap-boiler's vat, or had undergone the process of dipping
+in a tallow-chandlery. To this cause, perhaps, united to their frequent
+bathing, and extreme cleanliness, is ascribable, in a great measure, the
+marvellous purity and smoothness of skin exhibited by the natives in
+general.
+
+The prevailing tint among the women of the valley was a light olive, and
+of this style of complexion Fayaway afforded the most beautiful example.
+Others were still darker, while not a few were of a genuine golden colour,
+and some of a swarthy hue.
+
+As agreeing with much previously mentioned in this narrative, I may here
+observe, that Mendanna, their discoverer, in his account of the Marquesas,
+described the natives as wondrously beautiful to behold, and as nearly
+resembling the people of Southern Europe. The first of these islands seen
+by Mendanna was La Madelena, which is not far distant from Nukuheva; and
+its inhabitants in every respect resemble those dwelling on that and the
+other islands of the group. Figueroa, the chronicler of Mendanna's voyage,
+says, that on the morning the land was descried, when the Spaniards drew
+near the shore, there sallied forth, in rude procession, about seventy
+canoes, and at the same time many of the inhabitants (females, I presume)
+made towards the ships by swimming. He adds, that "in complexion they were
+nearly white, of good stature, and finely formed; and on their faces and
+bodies were delineated representations of fishes and other devices." The
+old Don then goes on to say, "There came, among others, two lads paddling
+their canoe, whose eyes were fixed on the ship; they had beautiful faces,
+and the most promising animation of countenance, and were in all things so
+becoming, that the pilot-mayor, Quiros, affirmed, nothing in his life ever
+caused him so much regret as the leaving such fine creatures to be lost in
+that country."
+
+Some of the natives present at the Feast of Calabashes had displayed a few
+articles of European dress, disposed, however, about their persons after
+their own peculiar fashion. Among these I perceived the two pieces of
+cotton cloth which poor Toby and myself had bestowed upon our youthful
+guides the afternoon we entered the valley. They were evidently reserved
+for gala days; and during those of the festival they rendered the young
+islanders who wore them very distinguished characters. The small number
+who were similarly adorned, and the great value they appeared to place
+upon the most common and most trivial articles, furnished ample evidence
+of the very restricted intercourse they held with vessels touching at the
+island. A few cotton handkerchiefs of a gay pattern, tied about the neck,
+and suffered to fall over the shoulders, strips of fanciful calico,
+swathed about the loins, were nearly all I saw.
+
+Indeed, throughout the valley, there were few things of any kind to be
+seen of European origin. All I ever saw, besides the articles just alluded
+to, were the six muskets preserved in the Ti, and three or four similar
+implements of warfare hung up in other houses, some small canvas bags,
+partly filled with bullets and powder, and half a dozen old hatchet-heads,
+with the edges blunted and battered to such a degree as to render them
+utterly worthless. These last seemed to be regarded as nearly worthless by
+the natives; and several times they held up one of them before me, and
+throwing it aside with a gesture of disgust, manifested their contempt for
+anything that could so soon become unserviceable.
+
+But the muskets, the powder, and the bullets, were held in most
+extravagant esteem. The former, from their great age and the peculiarities
+they exhibited, were well worthy a place in any antiquarian's armoury. I
+remember, in particular, one that hung in the Ti, and which
+Mehevi--supposing as a matter of course that I was able to repair it--had
+put into my hands for that purpose. It was one of those clumsy,
+old-fashioned English pieces known generally as Tower Hill muskets, and,
+for aught I know, might have been left on the island by Wallace, Carteret,
+Cook, or Vancouver. The stock was half-rotten and worm-eaten; the lock was
+as rusty and about as well adapted to its ostensible purpose as an old
+door-hinge; the threading of the screws about the trigger was completely
+worn away; while the barrel shook in the wood. Such was the weapon the
+chief desired me to restore to its original condition. As I did not
+possess the accomplishments of a gunsmith, and was likewise destitute of
+the necessary tools, I was reluctantly obliged to signify my inability to
+perform the task. At this unexpected communication Mehevi regarded me, for
+a moment, as if he half suspected I was some inferior sort of white man,
+who after all did not know much more than a Typee. However, after a most
+laboured explanation of the matter, I succeeded in making him understand
+the extreme difficulty of the task. Scarcely satisfied with my apologies,
+however, he marched off with the superannuated musket in something of a
+huff, as if he would no longer expose it to the indignity of being
+manipulated by such unskilful fingers.
+
+  [Illustration: MEHEVI]
+
+During the festival, I had not failed to remark the simplicity of manner,
+the freedom from all restraint, and, to a certain degree, the equality of
+condition manifested by the natives in general. No one appeared to assume
+any arrogant pretensions. There was little more than a slight difference
+in costume to distinguish the chiefs from the other natives. All appeared
+to mix together freely, and without any reserve; although I noticed that
+the wishes of a chief, even when delivered in the mildest tone, received
+the same immediate obedience which elsewhere would have been only accorded
+to a peremptory command. What may be the extent of the authority of the
+chiefs over the rest of the tribe, I will not venture to assert; but from
+all I saw during my stay in the valley, I was induced to believe that in
+matters concerning the general welfare it was very limited. The required
+degree of deference towards them, however, was willingly and cheerfully
+yielded; and as all authority is transmitted from father to son, I have no
+doubt that one of the effects here, as elsewhere, of high birth, is to
+induce respect and obedience.
+
+The particular grades of rank existing among the chiefs of Typee, I could
+not in all cases determine. Previous to the Feast of Calabashes, I had
+been puzzled what particular station to assign to Mehevi. But the
+important part he took upon that occasion convinced me that he had no
+superior among the inhabitants of the valley. I had invariably noticed a
+certain degree of deference paid to him by all with whom I had ever seen
+him brought in contact; but when I remembered that my wanderings had been
+confined to a limited portion of the valley, and that towards the sea a
+number of distinguished chiefs resided, some of whom had separately
+visited me at Marheyo's house, and whom, until the festival, I had never
+seen in the company of Mehevi, I felt disposed to believe that his rank,
+after all, might not be particularly elevated.
+
+The revels, however, had brought together all the warriors whom I had seen
+individually and in groups at different times and places. Among them
+Mehevi moved with an easy air of superiority which was not to be mistaken;
+and he whom I had only looked at as the hospitable host of the Ti, and one
+of the military leaders of the tribe, now assumed in my eyes the dignity
+of royal station. His striking costume, no less than his naturally
+commanding figure, seemed indeed to give him pre-eminence over the rest.
+The towering helmet of feathers that he wore raised him in height above
+all who surrounded him; and though some others were similarly adorned, the
+length and luxuriance of their plumes were far inferior to his.
+
+Mehevi was in fact the greatest of the chiefs--the head of his clan--the
+sovereign of the valley; and the simplicity of the social institutions of
+the people could not have been more completely proved than by the fact,
+that after having been several weeks in the valley, and almost in daily
+intercourse with Mehevi, I should have remained until the time of the
+festival ignorant of his regal character. But a new light had now broken
+in upon me. The Ti was the palace--and Mehevi the king. Both the one and
+the other of a most simple and patriarchal nature it must be allowed, and
+wholly unattended by the ceremonious pomp which usually surrounds the
+purple.
+
+After having made this discovery I could not avoid congratulating myself
+that Mehevi had from the first taken me as it were under his royal
+protection, and that he still continued to entertain for me the warmest
+regard, as far at least as I was enabled to judge from appearances. For
+the future I determined to pay most assiduous court to him, hoping that
+eventually through his kindness I might obtain my liberty.
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER XXV
+
+
+      King Mehevi--Conduct of Marheyo and Mehevi in certain delicate
+              matters--Peculiar system of marriage--Number of
+       population--Uniformity--Embalming--Places of sepulture--Funeral
+     obsequies at Nukuheva--Number of inhabitants in Typee--Location of
+              the dwellings--Happiness enjoyed in the valley.
+
+
+King Mehevi!--A goodly sounding title!--and why should I not bestow it upon
+the foremost man in the valley? All hail, therefore, Mehevi, king over all
+the Typees! and long life and prosperity to his tropical majesty! But to
+be sober again after this loyal burst.
+
+Previously to seeing the Dancing Widows I had little idea that there were
+any matrimonial relations subsisting in Typee, and I should as soon have
+thought of a Platonic affection being cultivated between the sexes, as of
+the solemn connexion of man and wife. To be sure, there were old Marheyo
+and Tinor, who seemed to live together quite sociably; but for all that, I
+had sometimes observed a comical-looking old gentleman, dressed in a suit
+of shabby tattooing, who appeared to be equally at home. This behaviour,
+until subsequent discoveries enlightened me, puzzled me more than anything
+else I witnessed in Typee.
+
+As for Mehevi, I had supposed him a confirmed bachelor, as well as most of
+the principal chiefs. At any rate, if they had wives and families, they
+ought to have been ashamed of themselves; for sure I am, they never
+troubled themselves about any domestic affairs. In truth, Mehevi seemed to
+be the president of a club of hearty fellows who kept "Bachelor's Hall" in
+fine style at the Ti. I had no doubt but that they regarded children as
+odious incumbrances; and their ideas of domestic felicity were
+sufficiently shown in the fact, that they allowed no meddlesome
+housekeepers to turn topsy-turvy those snug little arrangements they had
+made in their comfortable dwelling. I strongly suspected, however, that
+some of those jolly bachelors were carrying on love intrigues with the
+maidens of the tribe, although they did not appear publicly to acknowledge
+them. I happened to pop upon Mehevi three or four times when he was
+romping--in a most undignified manner for a warrior king--with one of the
+prettiest little witches in the valley. She lived with an old woman and a
+young man, in a house near Marheyo's; and although in appearance a mere
+child herself, had a noble boy about a year old, who bore a marvellous
+resemblance to Mehevi, whom I should certainly have believed to have been
+the father, were it not that the little fellow had no triangle on his
+face. Mehevi, however, was not the only person upon whom the damsel
+Moonoony smiled--the young fellow of fifteen, who permanently resided in
+the house with her, was decidedly in her good graces. This too was a
+mystery which, with others of the same kind, was afterwards satisfactorily
+explained.
+
+During the second day of the Feast of Calabashes, Kory-Kory--being
+determined that I should have some understanding on these matters--had, in
+the course of his explanations, directed my attention to a peculiarity I
+had frequently marked among many of the females,--principally those of a
+mature age and rather matronly appearance. This consisted in having the
+right hand and the left foot most elaborately tattooed; while the rest of
+the body was wholly free from the operation of the art, with the exception
+of the minutely dotted lips and slight marks on the shoulders, to which I
+have previously referred as comprising the sole tattooing exhibited by
+Fayaway, in common with other young girls of her age. The hand and foot
+thus embellished, were, according to Kory-Kory, the distinguishing badge
+of wedlock, so far as that social and highly commendable institution is
+known among these people. It answers, indeed, the same purpose as the
+plain gold ring worn by our fairer spouses.
+
+After Kory-Kory's explanation of the subject, I was for some time
+studiously respectful in the presence of all females thus distinguished,
+and never ventured to indulge in the slightest approach to flirtation with
+any of their number.
+
+A further insight, however, into the peculiar domestic customs of the
+inmates of the valley did away in a measure with the severity of my
+scruples, and convinced me that I was deceived in some at least of my
+conclusions. A regular system of polygamy exists among the islanders, but
+of a most extraordinary nature,--a plurality of husbands, instead of wives;
+and this solitary fact speaks volumes for the gentle disposition of the
+male population.
+
+I was not able to learn what particular ceremony was observed in forming
+the marriage contract, but am inclined to think that it must have been of
+a very simple nature. Perhaps the mere "popping the question," as it is
+termed with us, might have been followed by an immediate nuptial alliance.
+At any rate, tedious courtships are unknown in the valley of Typee.
+
+The males considerably outnumber the females. This holds true of many of
+the islands of Polynesia, although the reverse of what is the case in most
+civilized countries. The girls are first wooed and won, at a very tender
+age, by some stripling in the household in which they reside. This,
+however, is a mere frolic of the affections, and no formal engagement is
+contracted. By the time this first love has a little subsided, a second
+suitor presents himself, of graver years, and carries both boy and girl
+away to his own habitation. This disinterested and generous-hearted fellow
+now weds the young couple--marrying damsel and lover at the same time--and
+all three thenceforth live together as harmoniously as so many turtles. I
+have heard of some men who in civilized countries rashly marry large
+families with their wives, but had no idea that there was any place where
+people married supplementary husbands with them. Infidelity on either side
+is very rare. No man has more than one wife, and no wife of mature years
+has less than two husbands,--sometimes she has three, but such instances
+are not frequent. The marriage tie, whatever it may be, does not appear to
+be indissoluble; for separations occasionally happen. These, however, when
+they do take place, produce no unhappiness, and are preceded by no
+bickerings: for the simple reason, that an ill-used wife or a hen-pecked
+husband is not obliged to file a bill in chancery to obtain a divorce. As
+nothing stands in the way of a separation, the matrimonial yoke sits
+easily and lightly, and a Typee wife lives on very pleasant and sociable
+terms with her husbands. On the whole, wedlock, as known among these
+Typees, seems to be of a more distinct and enduring nature than is usually
+the case with barbarous people.
+
+But, notwithstanding its existence among them, the scriptural injunction
+to increase and multiply seems to be but indifferently attended to. I
+never saw any of those large families, in arithmetical or step-ladder
+progression, which one often meets with at home. I never knew of more than
+two youngsters living together in the same home, and but seldom even that
+number. As for the women, it was very plain that the anxieties of the
+nursery but seldom disturbed the serenity of their souls; and they were
+never seen going about the valley with half a score of little ones tagging
+at their apron-strings, or rather at the bread-fruit leaf they usually
+wore in the rear.
+
+I have before had occasion to remark that I never saw any of the ordinary
+signs of a place of sepulture in the valley, a circumstance which I
+attributed, at the time, to my living in a particular part of it, and
+being forbidden to extend my ramble to any considerable distance towards
+the sea. I have since thought it probable, however, that the Typees,
+either desirous of removing from their sight the evidences of mortality,
+or prompted by a taste for rural beauty, may have some charming cemetery
+situated in the shadowy recesses along the base of the mountains. At
+Nukuheva, two or three large quadrangular "pi-pis," heavily flagged,
+enclosed with regular stone walls, and shaded over and almost hidden from
+view by the interlacing branches of enormous trees, were pointed out to me
+as burial-places. The bodies, I understood, were deposited in rude vaults
+beneath the flagging, and were suffered to remain there without being
+disinterred. Although nothing could be more strange and gloomy than the
+aspect of these places, where the lofty trees threw their dark shadows
+over rude blocks of stone, a stranger looking at them would have discerned
+none of the ordinary evidences of a place of sepulture.
+
+During my stay in the valley, as none of its inmates were so accommodating
+as to die and be buried in order to gratify my curiosity with regard to
+their funeral rites, I was reluctantly obliged to remain in ignorance of
+them. As I have reason to believe, however, that the observances of the
+Typees in these matters are the same with those of all other tribes on the
+island, I will here relate a scene I chanced to witness at Nukuheva.
+
+A young man had died, about daybreak, in a house near the beach. I had
+been sent ashore that morning, and saw a good deal of the preparations
+they were making for his obsequies. The body, neatly wrapped in new white
+tappa, was laid out in an open shed of cocoa-nut boughs, upon a bier
+constructed of elastic bamboos ingeniously twisted together. This was
+supported, about two feet from the ground, by large canes planted
+uprightly in the earth. Two females, of a dejected appearance, watched by
+its side, plaintively chanting, and beating the air with large grass fans
+whitened with pipe-clay. In the dwelling-house adjoining a numerous
+company were assembled, and various articles of food were being prepared
+for consumption. Two or three individuals, distinguished by head-dresses
+of beautiful tappa, and wearing a great number of ornaments, appeared to
+officiate as masters of the ceremonies. By noon the entertainment had
+fairly begun, and we were told that it would last during the whole of the
+two following days. With the exception of those who mourned by the corpse,
+every one seemed disposed to drown the sense of the late bereavement in
+convivial indulgence. The girls, decked out in their savage finery,
+danced; the old men chanted; the warriors smoked and chatted; and the
+young and lusty, of both sexes, feasted plentifully, and seemed to enjoy
+themselves as pleasantly as they could have done had it been a wedding.
+
+The islanders understand the art of embalming, and practice it with such
+success, that the bodies of their great chiefs are frequently preserved
+for many years in the very houses where they died. I saw three of these in
+my visit to the bay of Tior. One was enveloped in immense folds of tappa,
+with only the face exposed, and hung erect against the side of the
+dwelling. The others were stretched out upon biers of bamboo, in open,
+elevated temples, which seemed consecrated to their memory. The heads of
+enemies killed in battle are invariably preserved, and hung up as trophies
+in the house of the conqueror. I am not acquainted with the process which
+is in use, but believe that fumigation is the principal agency employed.
+All the remains which I saw presented the appearance of a ham after being
+suspended for some time in a smoky chimney.
+
+But to return from the dead to the living. The late festival had drawn
+together, as I had every reason to believe, the whole population of the
+vale, and consequently I was enabled to make some estimate with regard to
+its numbers. I should imagine that there were about two thousand
+inhabitants in Typee; and no number could have been better adapted to the
+extent of the valley. The valley is some nine miles in length, and may
+average one in breadth, the houses being distributed at wide intervals
+throughout its whole extent, principally, however, towards the head of the
+vale. There are no villages. The houses stand here and there in the shadow
+of the groves, or are scattered along the banks of the winding stream;
+their golden-hued bamboo sides and gleaming white thatch, forming a
+beautiful contrast to the perpetual verdure in which they are embowered.
+There are no roads of any kind in the valley. Nothing but a labyrinth of
+footpaths, twisting and turning among the thickets without end.
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER XXVI
+
+
+        The social condition and general character of the Typees.
+
+
+There seemed to be no rogues of any kind in Typee. In the darkest nights
+the natives slept securely, with all their worldly wealth around them, in
+houses the doors of which were never fastened. The disquieting ideas of
+theft or assassination never disturbed them. Each islander reposed beneath
+his own palmetto-thatching, or sat under his own bread-fruit, with none to
+molest or alarm him. There was not a padlock in the valley, nor anything
+that answered the purpose of one: still there was no community of goods.
+This long spear, so elegantly carved and highly polished, belongs to
+Warmoonoo--it is far handsomer than the one which old Marheyo so greatly
+prizes--it is the most valuable article belonging to its owner. And yet I
+have seen it leaning against a cocoa-nut tree in the grove, and there it
+was found when sought for. Here is a sperm-whale tooth, graven all over
+with cunning devices--it is the property of Kurluna. It is the most
+precious of the damsel's ornaments. In her estimation, its price is far
+above rubies; and yet there hangs the dental jewel, by its cord of braided
+bark, in the girl's house, which is far back in the valley; the door is
+left open, and all the inmates have gone off to bathe in the stream.(5)
+
+So much for the respect in which such matters are held in Typee. As to the
+land of the valley, whether it was the joint property of its inhabitants,
+or whether it was parcelled out among a certain number of landed
+proprietors, who allowed everybody to roam over it as much as they
+pleased, I never could ascertain. At any rate, musty parchments and
+title-deeds there were none in the island; and I am half inclined to
+believe that its inhabitants hold their broad valleys in fee simple from
+nature herself.
+
+Yesterday I saw Kory-Kory hie him away, armed with a long pole, with
+which, standing on the ground, he knocked down the fruit from the topmost
+boughs of the trees, and brought them home in his basket of cocoa-nut
+leaves. To-day I see an islander, whom I know to reside in a distant part
+of the valley, doing the self-same thing. On the sloping bank of the
+stream were a number of banana trees. I have often seen a score or two of
+young people making a merry foray on the great golden clusters, and
+bearing them off, one after another, to different parts of the vale,
+shouting and tramping as they went. No churlish old curmudgeon could have
+been the owner of that grove of bread-fruit trees, or of these gloriously
+yellow bunches of bananas.
+
+From what I have said, it will be perceived that there is a vast
+difference between "personal property" and "real estate" in the valley of
+Typee. Some individuals, of course, are more wealthy than others. For
+example: the ridge-pole of Marheyo's house bends under the weight of many
+a huge packet of tappa; his long couch is laid with mats placed one upon
+the other seven deep. Outside, Tinor has ranged along in her bamboo
+cupboard--or whatever the place may be called--a goodly array of calabashes
+and wooden trenchers. Now, the house just beyond the grove, and next to
+Marheyo's, occupied by Ruaruga, is not quite so well furnished. There are
+only three moderate-sized packages swinging overhead; there are only two
+layers of mats beneath; and the calabashes and trenchers are not so
+numerous, nor so tastefully stained and carved. But then, Ruaruga has a
+house--not so pretty a one, to be sure--but just as commodious as Marheyo's;
+and, I suppose, if he wished to vie with his neighbour's establishment, he
+could do so with very little trouble. These, in short, constitute the
+chief differences perceivable in the relative wealth of the people in
+Typee.
+
+They lived in great harmony with each other. I will give an instance of
+their fraternal feeling.
+
+One day, in returning with Kory-Kory from my accustomed visit to the Ti,
+we passed by a little opening in the grove; on one side of which, my
+attendant informed me, was that afternoon to be built a dwelling of
+bamboo. At least a hundred of the natives were bringing materials to the
+ground, some carrying in their hands one or two of the canes which were to
+form the sides, others slender rods of the Habiscus, strung with palmetto
+leaves, for the roof. Every one contributed something to the work; and by
+the united, but easy, and even indolent, labours of all, the entire work
+was completed before sunset. The islanders, while employed in erecting
+this tenement, reminded me of a colony of beavers at work. To be sure,
+they were hardly as silent and demure as those wonderful creatures, nor
+were they by any means as diligent. To tell the truth, they were somewhat
+inclined to be lazy, but a perfect tumult of hilarity prevailed; and they
+worked together so unitedly, and seemed actuated by such an instinct of
+friendliness, that it was truly beautiful to behold.
+
+Not a single female took part in this employment: and if the degree of
+consideration in which the ever-adorable sex is held by the men be--as the
+philosophers affirm--a just criterion of the degree of refinement among a
+people, then I may truly pronounce the Typees to be as polished a
+community as ever the sun shone upon. The religious restrictions of the
+taboo alone excepted, the women of the valley were allowed every possible
+indulgence. Nowhere are the ladies more assiduously courted; nowhere are
+they better appreciated as the contributors to our highest enjoyments; and
+nowhere are they more sensible of their power. Far different from their
+condition among many rude nations, where the women are made to perform all
+the work, while their ungallant lords and masters lie buried in sloth, the
+gentle sex in the valley of Typee were exempt from toil--if toil it might
+be called--that, even in that tropical climate, never distilled one drop of
+perspiration. Their light household occupations, together with the
+manufacture of tappa, the platting of mats, and the polishing of
+drinking-vessels, were the only employments pertaining to the women. And
+even these resembled those pleasant avocations which fill up the elegant
+morning leisure of our fashionable ladies at home. But in these
+occupations, slight and agreeable though they were, the giddy young girls
+very seldom engaged. Indeed, these wilful, care-killing damsels were
+averse to all useful employment. Like so many spoiled beauties, they
+ranged through the groves--bathed in the stream--danced--flirted--played all
+manner of mischievous pranks, and passed their days in one merry round of
+thoughtless happiness.
+
+During my whole stay on the island I never witnessed a single quarrel, nor
+anything that in the slightest degree approached even to a dispute. The
+natives appeared to form one household, whose members were bound together
+by the ties of strong affection. The love of kindred I did not so much
+perceive, for it seemed blended in the general love; and where all were
+treated as brothers and sisters, it was hard to tell who were actually
+related to each other by blood.
+
+Let it not be supposed that I have overdrawn this picture. I have not done
+so. Nor let it be urged, that the hostility of this tribe to foreigners,
+and the hereditary feuds they carry on against their fellow-islanders
+beyond the mountains, are facts which contradict me. Not so; these
+apparent discrepancies are easily reconciled. By many a legendary tale of
+violence and wrong, as well as by events which have passed before their
+eyes, these people have been taught to look upon white men with
+abhorrence. The cruel invasion of their country by Porter has alone
+furnished them with ample provocation; and I can sympathize in the spirit
+which prompts the Typee warrior to guard all the passes to his valley with
+the point of his levelled spear, and, standing upon the beach, with his
+back turned upon his green home, to hold at bay the intruding European.
+
+As to the origin of the enmity of this particular clan towards the
+neighbouring tribes, I cannot so confidently speak. I will not say that
+their foes are the aggressors, nor will I endeavour to palliate their
+conduct. But surely, if our evil passions must find vent, it is far better
+to expend them on strangers and aliens, than in the bosom of the community
+in which we dwell. In many polished countries civil contentions, as well
+as domestic enmities, are prevalent, at the same time that the most
+atrocious foreign wars are waged. How much less guilty, then, are our
+islanders, who of these three sins are only chargeable with one, and that
+the least criminal!
+
+The reader will, ere long, have reason to suspect that the Typees are not
+free from the guilt of cannibalism; and he will then, perhaps, charge me
+with admiring a people against whom so odious a crime is chargeable. But
+this only enormity in their character is not half so horrible as it is
+usually described. According to the popular fictions, the crews of
+vessels, shipwrecked on some barbarous coast, are eaten alive like so many
+dainty joints by the uncivil inhabitants; and unfortunate voyagers are
+lured into smiling and treacherous bays; knocked on the head with
+outlandish war-clubs; and served up without any preliminary dressing. In
+truth, so horrific and improbable are these accounts, that many sensible
+and well-informed people will not believe that any cannibals exist; and
+place every book of voyages which purports to give any account of them, on
+the same shelf with Blue Beard and Jack the Giant-killer. While others,
+implicitly crediting the most extravagant fictions, firmly believe that
+there are people in the world with tastes so depraved, that they would
+infinitely prefer a single mouthful of material humanity to a good dinner
+of roast beef and plum pudding. But here, Truth, who loves to be centrally
+located, is again found between the two extremes; for cannibalism to a
+certain moderate extent is practised among several of the primitive tribes
+in the Pacific, but it is upon the bodies of slain enemies alone; and
+horrible and fearful as the custom is, immeasurably as it is to be
+abhorred and condemned, still I assert that those who indulge in it are in
+other respects humane and virtuous.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXVII
+
+
+          Fishing parties--Mode of distributing the fish--Midnight
+    banquet--Timekeeping tapers--Unceremonious style of eating the fish.
+
+
+There was no instance in which the social and kindly dispositions of the
+Typees were more forcibly evinced than in the manner they conducted their
+great fishing parties. Four times during my stay in the valley the young
+men assembled near the full of the moon, and went together on these
+excursions. As they were generally absent about forty-eight hours, I was
+led to believe that they went out towards the open sea, some distance from
+the bay. The Polynesians seldom use a hook and line, almost always
+employing large, well-made nets, most ingeniously fabricated from the
+twisted fibres of a certain bark. I examined several of them which had
+been spread to dry upon the beach at Nukuheva. They resembled very much
+our own seines, and I should think they were very nearly as durable.
+
+All the South Sea islanders are passionately fond of fish; but none of
+them can be more so than the inhabitants of Typee. I could not comprehend,
+therefore, why they so seldom sought it in their waters; for it was only
+at stated times that the fishing parties were formed, and these occasions
+were always looked forward to with no small degree of interest.
+
+During their absence, the whole population of the place were in a ferment,
+and nothing was talked of but "pehee, pehee" (fish, fish). Towards the
+time when they were expected to return, the vocal telegraph was put into
+operation--the inhabitants, who were scattered throughout the length of the
+valley, leaped upon rocks and into trees, shouting with delight at the
+thoughts of the anticipated treat. As soon as the approach of the party
+was announced, there was a general rush of the men towards the beach; some
+of them remaining, however, about the Ti, in order to get matters in
+readiness for the reception of the fish, which were brought to the Taboo
+Groves in immense packages of leaves, each one of them being suspended
+from a pole carried on the shoulders of two men.
+
+I was present at the Ti on one of these occasions, and the sight was most
+interesting. After all the packages had arrived, they were laid in a row
+under the verandah of the building, and opened. The fish were all quite
+small, generally about the size of a herring, and of every variety of
+colour. About one-eighth of the whole being reserved for the use of the Ti
+itself, the remainder was divided into numerous smaller packages, which
+were immediately despatched in every direction to the remotest part of the
+valley. Arrived at their destination, these were in turn portioned out,
+and equally distributed among the various houses of each particular
+district. The fish were under a strict Taboo, until the distribution was
+completed, which seemed to be effected in the most impartial manner. By
+the operation of this system every man, woman, and child in the vale, were
+at one and the same time partaking of this favourite article of food.
+
+Once, I remember, the party arrived at midnight; but the unseasonableness
+of the hour did not repress the impatience of the islanders. The carriers
+despatched from the Ti were to be seen hurrying in all directions through
+the deep groves; each individual preceded by a boy bearing a flaming torch
+of dried cocoa-nut boughs, which from time to time was replenished from
+the materials scattered along the path. The wild glare of these enormous
+flambeaux, lighting up with a startling brilliancy the innermost recesses
+of the vale, and seen moving rapidly along beneath the canopy of leaves,
+the savage shout of the excited messengers sounding the news of their
+approach, which was answered on all sides, and the strange appearance of
+their naked bodies, seen against the gloomy background, produced
+altogether an effect upon my mind that I shall long remember.
+
+It was on this same occasion that Kory-Kory awakened me at the dead hour
+of night, and in a sort of transport communicated the intelligence
+contained in the words "pehee perni" (fish come). As I happened to have
+been in a remarkably sound and refreshing slumber, I could not imagine why
+the information had not been deferred until morning; indeed, I felt very
+much inclined to fly into a passion and box my valet's ears; but on second
+thoughts I got quietly up, and on going outside the house was not a little
+interested by the moving illumination which I beheld.
+
+When old Marheyo received his share of the spoils, immediate preparations
+were made for a midnight banquet; calabashes of poee-poee were filled to
+the brim; green bread-fruit were roasted; and a huge cake of "amar" was
+cut up with a sliver of bamboo, and laid out on an immense banana leaf.
+
+At this supper we were lighted by several of the native tapers, held in
+the hands of young girls. These tapers are most ingeniously made. There is
+a nut abounding in the valley, called by the Typees "armor," closely
+resembling our common horse-chestnut. The shell is broken, and the
+contents extracted whole. Any number of these are strung at pleasure upon
+the long elastic fibre that traverses the branches of the cocoa-nut tree.
+Some of these tapers are eight or ten feet in length; but being perfectly
+flexible, one end is held in a coil, while the other is lighted. The nut
+burns with a fitful bluish flame, and the oil that it contains is
+exhausted in about ten minutes. As one burns down, the next becomes
+ignited, and the ashes of the former are knocked into a cocoa-nut shell
+kept for the purpose. This primitive candle requires continual attention,
+and must be constantly held in the hand. The person so employed marks the
+lapse of time by the number of nuts consumed, which is easily learned by
+counting the bits of tappa distributed at regular intervals along the
+string.
+
+I grieve to state so distressing a fact, but the inhabitants of Typee were
+in the habit of devouring fish much in the same way that a civilized being
+would eat a radish, and without any more previous preparation. They eat it
+raw; scales, bones, gills, and all the inside. The fish is held by the
+tail, and the head being introduced into the mouth, the animal disappears
+with a rapidity that would at first nearly lead one to imagine it had been
+launched bodily down the throat.
+
+Raw fish! Shall I ever forget my sensation when I first saw my island
+beauty devour one? Oh, heavens! Fayaway, how could you ever have
+contracted so vile a habit? However, after the first shock had subsided,
+the custom grew less odious in my eyes, and I soon accustomed myself to
+the sight. Let no one imagine, however, that the lovely Fayaway was in the
+habit of swallowing great vulgar-looking fishes: oh, no; with her
+beautiful small hand she would clasp a delicate, little, golden-hued love
+of a fish, and eat it as elegantly and as innocently as though it were a
+Naples biscuit. But, alas! it was after all a raw fish; and all I can say
+is, that Fayaway ate it in a more ladylike manner than any other girl of
+the valley.
+
+When at Rome do as the Romans do, I held to be so good a proverb, that
+being in Typee, I made a point of doing as the Typees did. Thus I ate
+poee-poee as they did; I walked about in a garb striking for its
+simplicity; and I reposed on a community of couches; besides doing many
+other things in conformity with their peculiar habits; but the farthest I
+ever went in the way of conformity, was on several occasions to regale
+myself with raw fish. These being remarkably tender, and quite small, the
+undertaking was not so disagreeable in the main, and after a few trials I
+positively began to relish them: however, I subjected them to a slight
+operation with my knife previously to making my repast.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+
+       Natural history of the valley--Golden lizards--Tameness of the
+        birds--Mosquitoes--Flies--Dogs--A solitary cat--The climate--The
+       cocoa-nut tree--Singular modes of climbing it--An agile young
+       chief--Fearlessness of the children--Too-too and the cocoa-nut
+                      tree--The birds of the valley.
+
+
+There were some curious-looking dogs in the valley. Dogs!--big, hairless
+rats rather; all with smooth, shining, speckled hides--fat sides, and very
+disagreeable faces. Whence could they have come? That they were not the
+indigenous production of the region, I am firmly convinced. Indeed, they
+seemed aware of their being interlopers, looking fairly ashamed, and
+always trying to hide themselves in some dark corner. It was plain enough
+they did not feel at home in the vale--that they wished themselves well out
+of it, and back to the ugly country from which they must have come.
+
+Scurvy curs! they were my abhorrence; I should have liked nothing better
+than to have been the death of every one of them. In fact, on one
+occasion, I intimated the propriety of a canine crusade to Mehevi but the
+benevolent king would not consent to it. He heard me very patiently; but
+when I had finished, shook his head, and told me in confidence, that they
+were "taboo."
+
+As for the animal that made the fortune of my lord mayor Whittington, I
+shall never forget the day that I was lying in the house about noon,
+everybody else being fast asleep; and happening to raise my eyes, met
+those of a big black spectral cat, which sat erect in the doorway, looking
+at me with its frightful goggling green orbs, like one of those monstrous
+imps that tormented some of the olden saints! I am one of those
+unfortunate persons, to whom the sight of these animals is at any time an
+insufferable annoyance.
+
+Thus constitutionally averse to cats in general, the unexpected apparition
+of this one in particular utterly confounded me. When I had a little
+recovered from the fascination of its glance, I started up; the cat fled,
+and emboldened by this, I rushed out of the house in pursuit; but it had
+disappeared. It was the only time I ever saw one in the valley, and how it
+got there I cannot imagine. It is just possible that it might have escaped
+from one of the ships at Nukuheva. It was in vain to seek information on
+the subject from the natives, since none of them had seen the animal, the
+appearance of which remains a mystery to me to this day.
+
+Among the few animals which are to be met with in Typee, there was none
+which I looked upon with more interest than a beautiful golden-hued
+species of lizard. It measured perhaps five inches from head to tail, and
+was most gracefully proportioned. Numbers of those creatures were to be
+seen basking in the sunshine upon the thatching of the houses, and
+multitudes at all hours of the day showed their glittering sides as they
+ran frolicking between the spears of grass, or raced in troops up and down
+the tall shafts of the cocoa-nut trees. But the remarkable beauty of these
+little animals and their lively ways were not their only claims upon my
+admiration. They were perfectly tame and insensible to fear. Frequently,
+after seating myself upon the ground in some shady place during the heat
+of the day, I would be completely overrun with them. If I brushed one off
+my arm, it would leap perhaps into my hair: when I tried to frighten it
+away by gently pinching its leg, it would turn for protection to the very
+hand that attacked it.
+
+The birds are also remarkably tame. If you happened to see one perched
+upon a branch within reach of your arm, and advanced towards it, it did
+not fly away immediately, but waited quietly looking at you, until you
+could almost touch it, and then took wing slowly, less alarmed at your
+presence, it would seem, than desirous of removing itself from your path.
+Had salt been less scarce in the valley than it was, this was the very
+place to have gone birding with it.
+
+I remember that once, on an uninhabited island of the Gallipagos, a bird
+alighted on my outstretched arm, while its mate chirped from an adjoining
+tree. Its tameness, far from shocking me, as a similar occurrence did
+Selkirk, imparted to me the most exquisite thrill of delight I ever
+experienced; and with somewhat of the same pleasure did I afterwards
+behold the birds and lizards of the valley show their confidence in the
+kindliness of man.
+
+Among the numerous afflictions which the Europeans have entailed upon some
+of the natives of the South Seas, is the accidental introduction among
+them of that enemy of all repose and ruffler of even tempers--the mosquito.
+At the Sandwich Islands, and at two or three of the Society group, there
+are now thriving colonies of these insects, who promise ere long to
+supplant altogether the aboriginal sand-flies. They sting, buzz, and
+torment, from one end of the year to the other, and by incessantly
+exasperating the natives, materially obstruct the benevolent labours of
+the missionaries.
+
+From this grievous visitation, however, the Typees are as yet wholly
+exempt; but its place is unfortunately in some degree supplied by the
+occasional presence of a minute species of fly, which, without stinging,
+is nevertheless productive of no little annoyance. The tameness of the
+birds and lizards is as nothing when compared to the fearless confidence
+of this insect. He will perch upon one of your eye-lashes, and go to roost
+there, if you do not disturb him, or force his way through your hair, or
+along the cavity of the nostril, till you almost fancy he is resolved to
+explore the very brain itself. On one occasion I was so inconsiderate as
+to yawn while a number of them were hovering around me. I never repeated
+the act. Some half-dozen darted into the open compartment, and began
+walking about its ceiling; the sensation was dreadful. I involuntarily
+closed my mouth, and the poor creatures, being enveloped in inner
+darkness, must in their consternation have stumbled over my palate, and
+been precipitated into the gulf beneath. At any rate, though I afterwards
+charitably held my mouth open for at least five minutes, with a view of
+affording egress to the stragglers, none of them ever availed themselves
+of the opportunity.
+
+There are no wild animals of any kind on the island, unless it be decided
+that the natives themselves are such. The mountains and the interior
+present to the eye nothing but silent solitudes, unbroken by the roar of
+beasts of prey, and enlivened by few tokens even of minute animated
+existence. There are no venomous reptiles, and no snakes of any
+description to be found in any of the valleys.
+
+In a company of Marquesan natives the weather affords no topic of
+conversation. It can hardly be said to have any vicissitudes. The rainy
+season, it is true, brings frequent showers, but they are intermitting and
+refreshing. When an islander, bound on some expedition, rises from his
+couch in the morning, he is never solicitous to peep out and see how the
+sky looks, or ascertain from what quarter the wind blows. He is always
+sure of a "fine day," and the promise of a few genial showers he hails
+with pleasure. There is never any of that "remarkable weather" on the
+islands which from time immemorial has been experienced in America, and
+still continues to call forth the wondering conversational exclamations of
+its elderly citizens. Nor do there even occur any of those eccentric
+meteorological changes which elsewhere surprise us. In the valley of Typee
+ice-creams would never be rendered less acceptable by sudden frosts, nor
+would picnic parties be deferred on account of inauspicious snowstorms:
+for there day follows day in one unvarying round of summer and sunshine,
+and the whole year is one long tropical month of June just melting into
+July.
+
+It is this genial climate which causes the cocoa-nuts to flourish as they
+do. This invaluable fruit, brought to perfection by the rich soil of the
+Marquesas, and borne aloft on a stately column more than a hundred feet
+from the ground, would seem at first almost inaccessible to the simple
+natives. Indeed, the slender, smooth, and soaring shaft, without a single
+limb or protuberance of any kind to assist one in mounting it, presents an
+obstacle only to be overcome by the surprising agility and ingenuity of
+the islanders. It might be supposed that their indolence would lead them
+patiently to await the period when the ripened nuts, slowly parting from
+their stems, fall one by one to the ground. This certainly would be the
+case, were it not that the young fruit, encased in a soft green husk, with
+the incipient meat adhering in a jelly-like pellicle to its sides, and
+containing a bumper of the most delicious nectar, is what they chiefly
+prize. They have at least twenty different terms to express as many
+progressive stages in the growth of the nut. Many of them reject the fruit
+altogether except at a particular period of its growth, which, incredible
+as it may appear, they seemed to me to be able to ascertain within an hour
+or two. Others are still more capricious in their tastes; and after
+gathering together a heap of the nuts of all ages, and ingeniously tapping
+them, will first sip from one and then from another, as fastidiously as
+some delicate wine-bibber experimenting, glass in hand, among his dusty
+demijohns of different vintages.
+
+Some of the young men, with more flexible frames than their comrades, and
+perhaps with more courageous souls, had a way of walking up the trunk of
+the cocoa-nut trees which to me seemed little less than miraculous; and
+when looking at them in the act, I experienced that curious perplexity a
+child feels when he beholds a fly moving feet uppermost along a ceiling.
+
+I will endeavour to describe the way in which Narnee, a noble young chief,
+sometimes performed this feat for my particular gratification; but his
+preliminary performances must also be recorded. Upon my signifying my
+desire that he should pluck me the young fruit of some particular tree,
+the handsome savage, throwing himself into a sudden attitude of surprise,
+feigns astonishment at the apparent absurdity of the request. Maintaining
+this position for a moment, the strange emotions depicted on his
+countenance soften down into one of humorous resignation to my will, and
+then, looking wistfully up to the tufted top of the tree, he stands on
+tip-toe, straining his neck and elevating his arms, as though endeavouring
+to reach the fruit from the ground where he stands. As if defeated in this
+childish attempt, he now sinks to the earth despondingly, beating his
+breast in well-acted despair; and then, starting to his feet all at once,
+and throwing back his head, raises both hands, like a schoolboy about to
+catch a falling ball. After continuing this for a moment or two, as if in
+expectation that the fruit was going to be tossed down to him by some good
+spirit in the tree-top, he turns wildly round in another fit of despair,
+and scampers off to the distance of thirty or forty yards. Here he remains
+awhile, eyeing the tree, the very picture of misery; but the next moment,
+receiving, as it were, a flash of inspiration, he rushes again towards it,
+and clasping both arms about the trunk, with one elevated a little above
+the other, he presses the soles of his feet close together against the
+tree, extending his legs from it until they are nearly horizontal, and his
+body becomes doubled into an arch; then, hand over hand and foot after
+foot, he rises from the earth with steady rapidity, and almost before you
+are aware of it, has gained the cradled and embowered nest of nuts, and
+with boisterous glee flings the fruit to the ground.
+
+This mode of walking the tree is only practicable where the trunk declines
+considerably from the perpendicular. This, however, is almost always the
+case; some of the perfectly straight shafts of the trees leaning at an
+angle of thirty degrees.
+
+The less active among the men, and many of the children of the valley,
+have another method of climbing. They take a broad and stout piece of
+bark, and secure either end of it to their ankles: so that when the feet
+thus confined are extended apart, a space of little more than twelve
+inches is left between them. This contrivance greatly facilitates the act
+of climbing. The band pressed against the tree, and closely embracing it,
+yields a pretty firm support; while with the arms clasped about the trunk,
+and at regular intervals sustaining the body, the feet are drawn up nearly
+a yard at a time, and a corresponding elevation of the hands immediately
+succeeds. In this way I have seen little children, scarcely five years of
+age, fearlessly climbing the slender pole of a young cocoa-nut tree, and
+while hanging perhaps fifty feet from the ground, receiving the plaudits
+of their parents beneath, who clapped their hands, and encouraged them to
+mount still higher.
+
+What, thought I, on first witnessing one of these exhibitions, would the
+nervous mothers of America and England say to a similar display of
+hardihood in any of their children? The Lacedemonian nation might have
+approved of it, but most modern dames would have gone into hysterics at
+the sight.
+
+At the top of the cocoa-nut tree the numerous branches, radiating on all
+sides from a common centre, form a sort of green and waving basket,
+between the leaflets of which you just discern the nuts thickly clustering
+together, and on the loftier trees looking no bigger from the ground than
+bunches of grapes. I remember one adventurous little fellow--Too-Too was
+the rascal's name--who had built himself a sort of aerial baby-house in the
+picturesque tuft of a tree adjoining Marheyo's habitation. He used to
+spend hours there,--rustling among the branches, and shouting with delight
+every time the strong gusts of wind, rushing down from the mountain side,
+swayed to and fro the tall and flexible column on which he was perched.
+Whenever I heard Too-Too's musical voice sounding strangely to the ear
+from so great a height, and beheld him peeping down upon me from out his
+leafy covert, he always recalled to my mind Dibdin's lines--
+
+  There's a sweet little cherub that sits up aloft,
+  To look out for the life of poor Jack.
+
+Birds--bright and beautiful birds--fly over the valley of Typee. You see
+them perched aloft among the immovable boughs of the majestic bread-fruit
+trees, or gently swaying on the elastic branches of the Omoo; skimming
+over the palmetto-thatching of the bamboo huts; passing like spirits on
+the wing through the shadows of the grove, and sometimes descending into
+the bosom of the valley in gleaming flights from the mountains. Their
+plumage is purple and azure, crimson and white, black and gold; with bills
+of every tint;--bright bloody-red, jet black, and ivory white; and their
+eyes are bright and sparkling; they go sailing through the air in starry
+throngs; but, alas! the spell of dumbness is upon them all--there is not a
+single warbler in the valley!
+
+I know not why it was, but the sight of these birds, generally the
+ministers of gladness, always oppressed me with melancholy. As in their
+dumb beauty they hovered by me whilst I was walking, or looked down upon
+me with steady curious eyes from out the foliage, I was almost inclined to
+fancy that they knew they were gazing upon a stranger, and that they
+commiserated his fate.
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER XXIX
+
+
+      A professor of the fine arts--His persecutions--Something about
+       tattooing and tabooing--Two anecdotes in illustration of the
+               latter--A few thoughts on the Typee dialect.
+
+
+In one of my strolls with Kory-Kory, in passing along the border of a
+thick growth of bushes, my attention was arrested by a singular noise. On
+entering the thicket, I witnessed for the first time the operation of
+tattooing as performed by these islanders.
+
+I beheld a man extended flat upon his back, on the ground, and, despite
+the forced composure of his countenance, it was evident that he was
+suffering agony. His tormentor bent over him, working away for all the
+world like a stone-cutter with mallet and chisel. In one hand he held a
+short slender stick, pointed with a shark's tooth, on the upright end of
+which he tapped with a small hammer-like piece of wood, thus puncturing
+the skin, and charging it with the colouring matter in which the
+instrument was dipped. A cocoa-nut shell containing this fluid was placed
+upon the ground. It is prepared by mixing with a vegetable juice the ashes
+of the "armor," or candle-nut, always preserved for the purpose. Beside
+the savage, and spread out upon a piece of soiled tappa, were a great
+number of curious black-looking little implements of bone and wood, used
+in the various divisions of his art. A few terminated in a single fine
+point, and, like very delicate pencils, were employed in giving the
+finishing touches, or in operating upon the more sensitive portions of the
+body, as was the case of the present instance. Others presented several
+points distributed in a line, somewhat resembling the teeth of a saw.
+These were employed in the coarser parts of the work, and particularly in
+pricking in straight marks. Some presented their points disposed in small
+figures, and being placed upon the body, were, by a single blow of the
+hammer, made to leave their indelible impression. I observed a few, the
+handles of which were mysteriously curved, as if intended to be introduced
+into the orifice of the ear, with a view perhaps of beating the tattoo
+upon the tympanum. Altogether, the sight of these strange instruments
+recalled to mind that display of cruel-looking mother-of-pearl-handled
+things which one sees in their velvet-lined cases at the elbow of a
+dentist.
+
+The artist was not at this time engaged on an original sketch, his subject
+being a venerable savage, whose tattooing had become somewhat faded with
+age and needed a few repairs, and accordingly he was merely employed in
+touching up the works of some of the old masters of the Typee school, as
+delineated upon the human canvas before him. The parts operated upon were
+the eyelids, where a longitudinal streak, like the one which adorned
+Kory-Kory, crossed the countenance of the victim.
+
+In spite of all the efforts of the poor old man, sundry twitchings and
+screwings of the muscles of the face denoted the exquisite sensibility of
+these shutters to the windows of his soul, which he was now having
+repainted. But the artist, with a heart as callous as that of an army
+surgeon, continued his performance, enlivening his labours with a wild
+chant, tapping away the while as merrily as a woodpecker.
+
+So deeply engaged was he in his work, that he had not observed our
+approach, until, after having enjoyed an unmolested view of the operation,
+I chose to attract his attention. As soon as he perceived me, supposing
+that I sought him in his professional capacity, he seized hold of me in a
+paroxysm of delight, and was all eagerness to begin the work. When,
+however, I gave him to understand that he had altogether mistaken my
+views, nothing could exceed his grief and disappointment. But recovering
+from this, he seemed determined not to credit my assertion, and grasping
+his implements, he flourished them about in fearful vicinity to my face,
+going through an imaginary performance of his art, and every moment
+bursting into some admiring exclamation at the beauty of his designs.
+
+Horrified at the bare thought of being rendered hideous for life if the
+wretch were to execute his purpose upon me, I struggled to get away from
+him, while Kory-Kory, turning traitor, stood by, and besought me to comply
+with the outrageous request. On my reiterated refusals the excited artist
+got half beside himself, and was overwhelmed with sorrow at losing so
+noble an opportunity of distinguishing himself in his profession.
+
+The idea of engrafting his tattooing upon my white skin filled him with
+all a painter's enthusiasm: again and again he gazed into my countenance,
+and every fresh glimpse seemed to add to the vehemence of his ambition.
+Not knowing to what extremities he might proceed, and shuddering at the
+ruin he might inflict upon my figurehead, I now endeavoured to draw off
+his attention from it, and holding out my arm in a fit of desperation,
+signed to him to commence operations. But he rejected the compromise
+indignantly, and still continued his attack on my face, as though nothing
+short of that would satisfy him. When his forefinger swept across my
+features, in laying out the borders of those parallel bands which were to
+encircle my countenance, the flesh fairly crawled upon my bones. At last,
+half wild with terror and indignation, I succeeded in breaking away from
+the three savages, and fled towards old Marheyo's house, pursued by the
+indomitable artist, who ran after me, implements in hand. Kory-Kory,
+however, at last interfered, and drew him off from the chase.
+
+This incident opened my eyes to a new danger; and I now felt convinced
+that in some luckless hour I should be disfigured in such a manner as
+never more to have the _face_ to return to my countrymen, even should an
+opportunity offer.
+
+These apprehensions were greatly increased by the desire which King Mehevi
+and several of the inferior chiefs now manifested that I should be
+tattooed. The pleasure of the king was first signified to me some three
+days after my casual encounter with Karky the artist. Heavens! what
+imprecations I showered upon that Karky. Doubtless he had plotted a
+conspiracy against me and my countenance, and would never rest until his
+diabolical purpose was accomplished. Several times I met him in various
+parts of the valley, and, invariably, whenever he descried me, he came
+running after me with his mallet and chisel, flourishing them about my
+face as if he longed to begin. What an object he would have made of me!
+
+When the king first expressed his wish to me, I made known to him my utter
+abhorrence of the measure, and worked myself into such a state of
+excitement, that he absolutely stared at me in amazement. It evidently
+surpassed his majesty's comprehension how any sober-minded and sensible
+individual could entertain the least possible objection to so beautifying
+an operation.
+
+Soon afterwards he repeated his suggestion, and meeting with a like
+repulse, showed some symptoms of displeasure at my obduracy. On his a
+third time renewing his request, I plainly perceived that something must
+be done, or my visage was ruined for ever; I therefore screwed up my
+courage to the sticking point, and declared my willingness to have both
+arms tattooed from just above the wrist to the shoulder. His majesty was
+greatly pleased at the proposition, and I was congratulating myself with
+having thus compromised the matter, when he intimated that as a thing of
+course my face was first to undergo the operation. I was fairly driven to
+despair; nothing but the utter ruin of my "face divine," as the poets call
+it, would, I perceived, satisfy the inexorable Mehevi and his chiefs, or
+rather that infernal Karky, for he was at the bottom of it all.
+
+The only consolation afforded me was a choice of patterns: I was at
+perfect liberty to have my face spanned by three horizontal bars, after
+the fashion of my serving-man's; or to have as many oblique stripes
+slanting across it: or if, like a true courtier, I chose to model my style
+on that of royalty, I might wear a sort of freemason badge upon my
+countenance in the shape of a mystic triangle. However, I would have none
+of these, though the king most earnestly impressed upon my mind that my
+choice was wholly unrestricted. At last, seeing my unconquerable
+repugnance, he ceased to importune me.
+
+But not so some other of the savages. Hardly a day passed but I was
+subjected to their annoying requests, until at last my existence became a
+burden to me; the pleasures I had previously enjoyed no longer afforded me
+delight, and all my former desire to escape from the valley now revived
+with additional force.
+
+A fact which I soon afterwards learned augmented my apprehension. The
+whole system of tattooing was, I found, connected with their religion; and
+it was evident, therefore, that they were resolved to make a convert of
+me.
+
+In the decoration of the chiefs, it seems to be necessary to exercise the
+most elaborate pencilling; while some of the inferior natives looked as if
+they had been daubed over indiscriminately with a house-painter's brush. I
+remember one fellow who prided himself hugely upon a great oblong patch,
+placed high upon his back, and who always reminded me of a man with a
+blister of Spanish flies stuck between his shoulders. Another whom I
+frequently met had the hollow of his eyes tattooed in two regular squares,
+and his visual organs being remarkably brilliant, they gleamed forth from
+out this setting like a couple of diamonds inserted in ebony.
+
+Although convinced that tattooing was a religious observance, still the
+nature of the connection between it and the superstitious idolatry of the
+people was a point upon which I could never obtain any information. Like
+the still more important system of the "Taboo," it always appeared
+inexplicable to me.
+
+There is a marked similarity, almost an identity, between the religious
+institutions of most of the Polynesian islands, and in all exists the
+mysterious "Taboo," restricted in its uses to a greater or less extent. So
+strange and complex in its arrangements is this remarkable system, that I
+have in several cases met with individuals who, after residing for years
+among the islands in the Pacific, and acquiring a considerable knowledge
+of the language, have nevertheless been altogether unable to give any
+satisfactory account of its operations. Situated as I was in the Typee
+valley, I perceived every hour the effects of this all-controlling power,
+without in the least comprehending it. Those effects were, indeed,
+wide-spread and universal, pervading the most important as well as the
+minutest transactions of life. The savage, in short, lives in the
+continual observance of its dictates, which guide and control every action
+of his being.
+
+For several days after entering the valley I had been saluted at least
+fifty times in the twenty-four hours with the talismanic word "Taboo"
+shrieked in my ears, at some gross violation of its provisions, of which I
+had unconsciously been guilty. The day after our arrival I happened to
+hand some tobacco to Toby over the head of a native who sat between us. He
+started up, as if stung by an adder; while the whole company, manifesting
+an equal degree of horror, simultaneously screamed out "Taboo!" I never
+again perpetrated a similar piece of ill-manners, which, indeed, was
+forbidden by the canons of good breeding, as well as by the mandates of
+the taboo. But it was not always so easy to perceive wherein you had
+contravened the spirit of this institution. I was many times called to
+order, if I may use the phrase, when I could not for the life of me
+conjecture what particular offence I had committed.
+
+One day I was strolling through a secluded portion of the valley, and
+hearing the musical sound of the cloth-mallet at a little distance, I
+turned down a path that conducted me in a few moments to a house where
+there were some half-dozen girls employed in making tappa. This was an
+operation I had frequently witnessed, and had handled the bark in all the
+various stages of its preparation. On the present occasion the females
+were intent upon their occupation, and after looking up and talking gaily
+to me for a few moments, they resumed their employment. I regarded them
+for awhile in silence, and then, carelessly picking up a handful of the
+material that lay around, proceeded unconsciously to pick it apart. While
+thus engaged, I was suddenly startled by a scream, like that of a whole
+boarding-school of young ladies just on the point of going into hysterics.
+Leaping up with the idea of seeing a score of Happar warriors about to
+perform anew the Sabine atrocity, I found myself confronted by the company
+of girls, who, having dropped their work, stood before me with starting
+eyes, swelling bosoms, and fingers pointed in horror towards me.
+
+Thinking that some venomous reptile must be concealed in the bark which I
+held in my hand, I began cautiously to separate and examine it. Whilst I
+did so the horrified girls redoubled their shrieks. Their wild cries and
+frightened motions actually alarmed me, and throwing down the tappa, I was
+about to rush from the house, when in the same instant their clamours
+ceased, and one of them, seizing me by the arm, pointed to the broken
+fibres that had just fallen from my grasp, and screamed in my ears the
+fatal word "Taboo!"
+
+I subsequently found out that the fabric they were engaged in making was
+of a peculiar kind, destined to be worn on the heads of the females, and
+through every stage of its manufacture was guarded by a vigorous taboo,
+which interdicted the whole masculine gender from even so much as touching
+it.
+
+Frequently in walking through the groves I observed bread-fruit and
+cocoa-nut trees, with a wreath of leaves twined in a peculiar fashion
+about their trunks. This was the mark of the taboo. The trees themselves,
+their fruit, and even the shadows they cast upon the ground, were
+consecrated by its presence. In the same way a pipe, which the king had
+bestowed upon me, was rendered sacred in the eyes of the natives, none of
+whom could I ever prevail upon to smoke from it. The bowl was encircled by
+a woven band of grass, somewhat resembling those Turks' heads occasionally
+worked in the handles of our whip-stalks.
+
+A similar badge was once braided about my wrist by the royal hand of
+Mehevi himself, who, as soon as he had concluded the operation, pronounced
+me "Taboo." This occurred shortly after Toby's disappearance; and were it
+not that from the first moment I had entered the valley the natives had
+treated me with uniform kindness, I should have supposed that their
+conduct afterwards was to be ascribed to the fact that I received this
+sacred investiture.
+
+The capricious operations of the taboo are not its least remarkable
+feature: to enumerate them all would be impossible. Black hogs--infants to
+a certain age--women in an interesting situation--young men while the
+operation of tattooing their faces is going on--and certain parts of the
+valley during the continuance of a shower--are alike fenced about by the
+operation of the taboo.
+
+I witnessed a striking instance of its effects in the bay of Tior, my
+visit to which place occurred a few days before leaving the ship. On that
+occasion our worthy captain formed one of the party. He was a most
+insatiable sportsman. Outward bound, and off the pitch of Cape Horn, he
+used to sit on the taffrail, and keep the steward loading three or four
+old fowling-pieces, with which he would bring down albatrosses, Cape
+pigeons, jays, petrels, and divers other marine fowl, who followed
+chattering in our wake. The sailors were struck aghast at his impiety, and
+one and all attributed our forty days' beating about that horrid headland
+to his sacrilegious slaughter of these inoffensive birds.
+
+At Tior, he evinced the same disregard for the religious prejudices of the
+islanders as he had previously shown for the superstitions of the sailors.
+Having heard that there were a considerable number of fowls in the
+valley--the progeny of some cocks and hens accidentally left there by an
+English vessel, and which, being strictly tabooed, flew about almost in a
+wild state--he determined to break through all restraints, and be the death
+of them. Accordingly, he provided himself with a most formidable-looking
+gun, and announced his landing on the beach by shooting down a noble cock,
+that was crowing what proved to be his own funeral dirge on the limb of an
+adjoining tree. "Taboo," shrieked the affrighted savages. "Oh, hang your
+taboo," says the nautical sportsman; "talk taboo to the marines"; and bang
+went the piece again, and down came another victim. At this the natives
+ran scampering through the groves, horror-struck at the enormity of the
+act.
+
+All that afternoon the rocky sides of the valley rang with successive
+reports, and the superb plumage of many a beautiful fowl was ruffled by
+the fatal bullet. Had it not been that the French admiral, with a large
+party, was then in the glen, I have no doubt that the natives, although
+their tribe was small and dispirited, would have inflicted summary
+vengeance upon the man who thus outraged their most sacred institutions;
+as it was, they contrived to annoy him not a little.
+
+Thirsting with his exertions, the skipper directed his steps to a stream;
+but the savages, who had followed at a little distance, perceiving his
+object, rushed towards him and forced him away from its bank--his lips
+would have polluted it. Wearied at last, he sought to enter a house that
+he might rest for awhile on the mats; its inmates gathered tumultuously
+about the door and denied him admittance. He coaxed and blustered by
+turns, but in vain; the natives were neither to be intimidated nor
+appeased, and as a final resort he was obliged to call together his boat's
+crew, and pull away from what he termed the most infernal place he ever
+stepped upon.
+
+Lucky was it for him and for us that we were not honoured on our departure
+by a salute of stones from the hands of the exasperated Tiors. In this
+way, on the neighbouring island of Ropo, were killed, but a few weeks
+previously, and for a nearly similar offence, the master and three of the
+crew of the K----.
+
+I cannot determine, with anything approaching to certainty, what power it
+is that imposes the taboo. When I consider the slight disparity of
+condition among the islanders--the very limited and inconsiderable
+prerogatives of the king and chiefs--and the loose and indefinite functions
+of the priesthood, most of whom were hardly to be distinguished from the
+rest of their countrymen, I am wholly at a loss where to look for the
+authority which regulates this potent institution. It is imposed upon
+something to-day, and withdrawn to-morrow; while its operations in other
+cases are perpetual. Sometimes its restrictions only affect a single
+individual--sometimes a particular family--sometimes a whole tribe; and, in
+a few instances, they extend not merely over the various clans on a single
+island, but over all the inhabitants of an entire group. In illustration
+of this latter peculiarity, I may cite the law which forbids a female to
+enter a canoe--a prohibition which prevails upon all the northern Marquesas
+Islands.
+
+The word itself (taboo) is used in more than one signification. It is
+sometimes used by a parent to his child, when, in the exercise of parental
+authority, he forbids it to perform a particular action. Anything opposed
+to the ordinary customs of the islanders, although not expressly
+prohibited, is said to be "taboo."
+
+The Typee language is one very difficult to be acquired; it bears a close
+resemblance to the other Polynesian dialects, all of which show a common
+origin. The duplication of words, as "lumee lumee," "poee poee," "muee
+muee," is one of their peculiar features. But another, and a more annoying
+one, is the different sense in which one and the same word is employed;
+its various meanings all have a certain connection, which only makes the
+matter more puzzling. So one brisk, lively little word is obliged, like a
+servant in a poor family, to perform all sorts of duties. For instance--one
+particular combination of syllables expresses the ideas of sleep, rest,
+reclining, sitting, leaning, and all other things anyways analogous
+thereto, the particular meaning being shown chiefly by a variety of
+gestures, and the eloquent expression of the countenance.
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER XXX
+
+
+         Strange custom of the islanders--Their chanting, and the
+    peculiarity of their voice--Rapture of the king at first hearing a
+    song--A new dignity conferred on the author--Musical instruments in
+      the valley--Admiration of the savages at beholding a pugilistic
+           performance--Swimming infant--Beautiful tresses of the
+                       girls--Ointment for the hair.
+
+
+Sadly discursive as I have already been, I must still further entreat the
+reader's patience, as I am about to string together, without any attempt
+at order, a few odds and ends of things not hitherto mentioned, but which
+are either curious in themselves, or peculiar to the Typees.
+
+There was one singular custom, observed in old Marheyo's domestic
+establishment, which often excited my surprise. Every night, before
+retiring, the inmates of the house gathered together on the mats, and
+squatting upon their haunches, after the universal practice of these
+islanders, would commence a low, dismal, and monotonous chant,
+accompanying the voice with the instrumental melody produced by two small
+half-rotten sticks tapped slowly together, a pair of which were held in
+the hands of each person present. Thus would they employ themselves for an
+hour or two, sometimes longer. Lying in the gloom which wrapped the
+farther end of the house, I could not avoid looking at them, although the
+spectacle suggested nothing but unpleasant reflections. The flickering
+rays of the "armor" nut just served to reveal their savage lineaments,
+without dispelling the darkness that hovered about them.
+
+Sometimes when, after falling into a kind of doze, and awaking suddenly in
+the midst of these doleful chantings, my eye would fall upon the
+wild-looking group engaged in their strange occupation, with their naked
+tattooed limbs, and shaven heads disposed in a circle, I was almost
+tempted to believe that I gazed upon a set of evil beings in the act of
+working a frightful incantation.
+
+What was the meaning or purpose of this custom, whether it was practised
+merely as a diversion, or whether it was a religious exercise, a sort of
+family prayers, I never could discover.
+
+The sounds produced by the natives on these occasions were of a most
+singular description; and had I not actually been present, I never would
+have believed that such curious noises could have been produced by human
+beings.
+
+To savages, generally, is imputed a guttural articulation. This, however,
+is not always the case, especially among the inhabitants of the Polynesian
+Archipelago. The labial melody with which the Typee girls carry on an
+ordinary conversation, giving a musical prolongation to the final syllable
+of every sentence, and chirping out some of the words with a liquid,
+bird-like accent, was singularly pleasing.
+
+The men, however, are not quite so harmonious in their utterance; and when
+excited upon any subject, would work themselves up into a sort of wordy
+paroxysm, during which all descriptions of rough-sided sounds were
+projected from their mouths, with a force and rapidity which was
+absolutely astonishing.
+
+                           * * * * * * * * * *
+
+Although these savages are remarkably fond of chanting, still they appear
+to have no idea whatever of singing, at least as the art is practised
+among other nations.
+
+I never shall forget the first time I happened to roar out a stave in the
+presence of the noble Mehevi. It was a stanza from the "Bavarian
+Broom-seller." His Typean majesty, with all his court, gazed upon me in
+amazement, as if I had displayed some preternatural faculty which Heaven
+had denied to them. The king was delighted with the verse; but the chorus
+fairly transported him. At his solicitation, I sang it again and again,
+and nothing could be more ludicrous than his vain attempts to catch the
+air and the words. The royal savage seemed to think that by screwing all
+the features of his face into the end of his nose, he might possibly
+succeed in the undertaking, but it failed to answer the purpose; and in
+the end he gave it up, and consoled himself by listening to my repetition
+of the sounds fifty times over.
+
+Previous to Mehevi's making the discovery, I had never been aware that
+there was anything of the nightingale about me; but I was now promoted to
+the place of court minstrel, in which capacity I was afterwards
+perpetually called upon to officiate.
+
+                           * * * * * * * * * *
+
+Besides the sticks and the drums, there are no other musical instruments
+among the Typees, except one which might appropriately be denominated a
+nasal flute. It is somewhat longer than an ordinary fife, is made of a
+beautiful scarlet-coloured reed, and has four or five stops, with a large
+hole near one end, which latter is held just beneath the left nostril. The
+other nostril being closed by a peculiar movement of the muscles about the
+nose, the breath is forced into the tube, and produces a soft dulcet
+sound, which is varied by the fingers running at random over the stops.
+This is a favourite recreation with the females, and one in which Fayaway
+greatly excelled. Awkward as such an instrument may appear, it was, in
+Fayaway's delicate little hands, one of the most graceful I have ever
+seen. A young lady in the act of tormenting a guitar, strung about her
+neck by a couple of yards of blue ribbon, is not half so engaging.
+
+                           * * * * * * * * * *
+
+Singing was not the only means I possessed of diverting the royal Mehevi
+and his easy-going subjects. Nothing afforded them more pleasure than to
+see me go through the attitudes of a pugilistic encounter. As not one of
+the natives had soul enough in him to stand up like a man, and allow me to
+hammer away at him, for my own personal gratification and that of the
+king, I was necessitated to fight with an imaginary enemy, whom I
+invariably made to knock under to my superior prowess. Sometimes, when
+this sorely battered shadow retreated precipitately towards a group of the
+savages, and, following him up, I rushed among them, dealing my blows
+right and left, they would disperse in all directions, much to the
+enjoyment of Mehevi, the chiefs, and themselves.
+
+The noble art of self-defence appeared to be regarded by them as the
+peculiar gift of the white man; and I make little doubt but that they
+supposed armies of Europeans were drawn up provided with nothing else but
+bony fists and stout hearts, with which they set to in column, and
+pummelled one another at the word of command.
+
+                           * * * * * * * * * *
+
+One day, in company with Kory-Kory, I had repaired to the stream for the
+purpose of bathing, when I observed a woman sitting upon a rock in the
+midst of the current, and watching with the liveliest interest the gambols
+of something, which at first I took to be an uncommonly large species of
+frog that was sporting in the water near her. Attracted by the novelty of
+the sight, I waded towards the spot where she sat, and could hardly credit
+the evidence of my senses when I beheld a little infant, the period of
+whose birth could not have extended back many days, paddling about as if
+it had just risen to the surface, after being hatched into existence at
+the bottom. Occasionally the delighted parent reached out her hand towards
+it, when the little thing, uttering a faint cry, and striking out its tiny
+limbs, would sidle for the rock, and the next moment be clasped to its
+mother's bosom. This was repeated again and again, the baby remaining in
+the stream about a minute at a time. Once or twice it made wry faces at
+swallowing a mouthful of water, and choked and spluttered as if on the
+point of strangling. At such times, however, the mother snatched it up,
+and by a process scarcely to be mentioned obliged it to eject the fluid.
+For several weeks afterward I observed the woman bringing her child down
+to the stream regularly every day, in the cool of the morning and evening,
+and treating it to a bath. No wonder that the South Sea islanders are so
+amphibious a race, when they are thus launched into the water as soon as
+they see the light. I am convinced that it is as natural for a human being
+to swim as it is for a duck. And yet, in civilized communities, how many
+able-bodied individuals die, like so many drowning kittens, from the
+occurrence of the most trivial accidents!
+
+                           * * * * * * * * * *
+
+The long, luxuriant, and glossy tresses of the Typee damsels often
+attracted my admiration. A fine head of hair is the pride and joy of every
+woman's heart! Whether, against the express will of Providence, it is
+twisted up on the crown of the head and there coiled away; whether it be
+built up in a great tower, with combs and pins, or is plastered over the
+head in sleek, shiny folds; or whether it be permitted to flow over the
+shoulders in natural ringlets, it is always the pride of the owner, and
+the glory of the toilette.
+
+The Typee girls devote much of their time to the dressing of their hair
+and redundant locks. After bathing, as they sometimes do five or six times
+every day, the hair is carefully dried, and if they have been in the sea,
+invariably washed in fresh water, and anointed with a highly-scented oil
+extracted from the meat of the cocoa-nut. This oil is obtained in great
+abundance, by the following very simple process:--
+
+A large vessel of wood, with holes perforated in the bottom, is filled
+with the pounded meat, and exposed to the rays of the sun. As the
+oleaginous matter exudes, it falls in drops through the apertures into a
+wide-mouthed calabash placed underneath. After a sufficient quantity has
+thus been collected, the oil undergoes a purifying process, and is then
+poured into the small spherical shells of the nuts of the moo-tree, which
+are hollowed out to receive it. These nuts are then hermetically sealed
+with a resinous gum, and the vegetable fragrance of their green rind soon
+imparts to the oil a delightful odour. After a lapse of a few weeks, the
+exterior shell of the nuts becomes quite dry and hard, and assumes a
+beautiful carnation tint; and when opened they are found to be about
+two-thirds full of an ointment of a light yellow colour, and diffusing the
+sweetest perfume. This elegant little odorous globe would not be out of
+place even upon the toilette of a queen. Its merits as a preparation for
+the hair are undeniable,--it imparts to it a superb gloss and a silky
+fineness.
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER XXXI
+
+
+        Apprehensions of evil--Frightful discovery--Some remarks on
+            cannibalism--Second battle with the Happars--Savage
+            spectacle--Mysterious feast--Subsequent disclosures.
+
+
+From the time of my casual encounter with Karky the artist, my life was
+one of absolute wretchedness. Not a day passed but I was persecuted by the
+solicitations of some of the natives to subject myself to the odious
+operation of tattooing. Their importunities drove me half wild, for I felt
+how easily they might work their will upon me regarding this, or anything
+else which they took into their heads. Still, however, the behaviour of
+the islanders toward me was as kind as ever. Faraway was quite as
+engaging; Kory-Kory as devoted; and Mehevi the king just as gracious and
+condescending as before. But I had now been three months in their valley,
+as nearly as I could estimate; I had grown familiar with the narrow limits
+to which my wanderings had been confined; and I began bitterly to feel the
+state of captivity in which I was held. There was no one with whom I could
+freely converse; no one to whom I could communicate my thoughts; no one
+who could sympathize with my sufferings. A thousand times I thought how
+much more endurable would have been my lot had Toby still been with me.
+But I was left alone, and the thought was terrible to me. Still, despite
+my griefs, I did all in my power to appear composed and cheerful, well
+knowing that by manifesting any uneasiness, or any desire to escape, I
+should only frustrate my object.
+
+It was during the period I was in this unhappy frame of mind, that the
+painful malady under which I had been labouring--after having almost
+completely subsided--began again to show itself, and with symptoms as
+violent as ever. This added calamity nearly unmanned me; the recurrence of
+the complaint proved that, without powerful remedial applications, all
+hope of cure was futile; and when I reflected that just beyond the
+elevations which bound me in, was the medical relief I needed, and that,
+although so near, it was impossible for me to avail myself of it, the
+thought was misery.
+
+In this wretched situation, every circumstance which evinced the savage
+nature of the beings at whose mercy I was, augmented the fearful
+apprehensions that consumed me. An occurrence which happened about this
+time affected me most powerfully.
+
+I have already mentioned, that from the ridge-pole of Marheyo's house were
+suspended a number of packages enveloped in tappa. Many of these I had
+often seen in the hands of the natives, and their contents had been
+examined in my presence. But there were three packages hanging very nearly
+over the place where I lay, which from their remarkable appearance had
+often excited my curiosity. Several times I had asked Kory-Kory to show me
+their contents; but my servitor, who in almost every other particular had
+acceded to my wishes, always refused to gratify me in this.
+
+One day, returning unexpectedly from the Ti, my arrival seemed to throw
+the inmates of the house into the greatest confusion. They were seated
+together on the mats, and by the lines which extended from the roof to the
+floor I immediately perceived that the mysterious packages were, for some
+purpose or other, under inspection. The evident alarm the savages betrayed
+filled me with forebodings of evil, and with an uncontrollable desire to
+penetrate the secret so jealously guarded. Despite the efforts of Marheyo
+and Kory-Kory to restrain me, I forced my way into the midst of the
+circle, and just caught a glimpse of three human heads, which others of
+the party were hurriedly enveloping in the coverings from which they had
+been taken.
+
+One of the three I distinctly saw. It was in a state of perfect
+preservation, and from the slight glimpse I had of it, seemed to have been
+subjected to some smoking operation which had reduced it to the dry, hard,
+and mummy-like appearance it presented. The two long scalp-locks were
+twisted up into balls upon the crown of the head, in the same way that the
+individual had worn them during life. The sunken cheeks were rendered yet
+more ghastly by the rows of glistening teeth which protruded from between
+the lips, while the sockets of the eyes--filled with oval bits of
+mother-of-pearl shell, with a black spot in the centre--heightened the
+hideousness of its aspect.
+
+Two of the three were heads of the islanders; but the third, to my horror,
+was that of a white man. Although it had been quickly removed from my
+sight, still the glimpse I had of it was enough to convince me that I
+could not be mistaken.
+
+Gracious God! what dreadful thoughts entered my mind. In solving this
+mystery, perhaps I had solved another, and the fate of my lost companion
+might be revealed in the shocking spectacle I had just witnessed. I longed
+to have torn off the folds of cloth, and satisfied the awful doubts under
+which I laboured. But before I had recovered from the consternation into
+which I had been thrown, the fatal packages were hoisted aloft and once
+more swung over my head. The natives now gathered round me tumultuously,
+and laboured to convince me that what I had just seen were the heads of
+three Happar warriors, who had been slain in battle. This glaring
+falsehood added to my alarm, and it was not until I reflected that I had
+observed the packages swinging from their elevation before Toby's
+disappearance, that I could at all recover my composure.
+
+But although this horrible apprehension had been dispelled, I had
+discovered enough to fill me, in my present state of mind, with the most
+bitter reflections. It was plain that I had seen the last relic of some
+unfortunate wretch, who must have been massacred on the beach by the
+savages, in one of those perilous trading adventures which I have before
+described.
+
+It was not, however, alone the murder of the stranger that overcame me
+with gloom. I shuddered at the idea of the subsequent fate his inanimate
+body might have met with. Was the same doom reserved for me? Was I
+destined to perish like him--like him, perhaps, to be devoured, and my head
+to be preserved as a fearful memento of the event? My imagination ran riot
+in these horrid speculations, and I felt certain that the worst possible
+evils would befall me. But whatever were my misgivings, I studiously
+concealed them from the islanders, as well as the full extent of the
+discovery I had made.
+
+Although the assurances which the Typees had often given me, that they
+never ate human flesh, had not convinced me that such was the case, yet,
+having been so long a time in the valley without witnessing anything which
+indicated the existence of the practice, I began to hope that it was an
+event of very rare occurrence, and that I should be spared the horror of
+witnessing it during my stay among them: but, alas! these hopes were soon
+destroyed.
+
+It is a singular fact, that in all our accounts of cannibal tribes we have
+seldom received the testimony of an eye-witness to the revolting practice.
+The horrible conclusion has almost always been derived from the
+second-hand evidence of Europeans, or else from the admissions of the
+savages themselves, after they have in some degree become civilized. The
+Polynesians are aware of the detestation in which Europeans hold this
+custom, and therefore invariably deny its existence, and, with the craft
+peculiar to savages, endeavour to conceal every trace of it.
+
+But to my story.
+
+About a week after my discovery of the contents of the mysterious
+packages, I happened to be at the Ti, when another war-alarm was sounded,
+and the natives, rushing to their arms, sallied out to resist a second
+incursion of the Happar invaders. The same scene was again repeated, only
+that on this occasion I heard at least fifteen reports of muskets from the
+mountains during the time that the skirmish lasted. An hour or two after
+its termination, loud paeans chanted through the valley announced the
+approach of the victors. I stood with Kory-Kory leaning against the
+railing of the pi-pi, awaiting their advance, when a tumultuous crowd of
+islanders emerged with wild clamours from the neighbouring groves. In the
+midst of them marched four men, one preceding the other at regular
+intervals of eight or ten feet, with poles of a corresponding length,
+extending from shoulder to shoulder, to which were lashed with thongs of
+bark three long narrow bundles, carefully wrapped in ample coverings of
+freshly plucked palm-leaves, tacked together with slivers of bamboo. Here
+and there upon these green winding-sheets might be seen the stains of
+blood, while the warriors who carried the frightful burdens displayed upon
+their naked limbs similar sanguinary marks. The shaven head of the
+foremost had a deep gash upon it, and the clotted gore which had flowed
+from the wound remained in dry patches around it. The savage seemed to be
+sinking under the weight he bore. The bright tattooing upon his body was
+covered with blood and dust; his inflamed eyes rolled in their sockets,
+and his whole appearance denoted extraordinary suffering and exertion;
+yet, sustained by some powerful impulse, he continued to advance, while
+the throng around him with wild cheers sought to encourage him. The other
+three men were marked about the arms and breasts with several slight
+wounds, which they somewhat ostentatiously displayed.
+
+These four individuals, having been the most active in the late encounter,
+claimed the honour of bearing the bodies of their slain enemies to the Ti.
+Such was the conclusion I drew from my own observations, and, as far as I
+could understand, from the explanation which Kory-Kory gave me.
+
+The royal Mehevi walked by the side of these heroes. He carried in one
+hand a musket, from the barrel of which was suspended a small canvas pouch
+of powder, and in the other he grasped a short javelin, which he held
+before him and regarded with fierce exultation. This javelin he had
+wrested from a celebrated champion of the Happars, who had ignominiously
+fled, and was pursued by his foes beyond the summit of the mountain.
+
+When within a short distance of the Ti, the warrior with the wounded head,
+who proved to be Narmonee, tottered forward two or three steps, and fell
+helplessly to the ground; but not before another had caught the end of the
+pole from his shoulder, and placed it upon his own.
+
+The excited throng of islanders, who surrounded the person of the king and
+the dead bodies of the enemy, approached the spot where I stood,
+brandishing their rude implements of warfare, many of which were bruised
+and broken, and uttering continual shouts of triumph. When the crowd drew
+up opposite the Ti, I set myself to watch their proceedings most
+attentively; but scarcely had they halted when my servitor, who had left
+my side for an instant, touched my arm, and proposed our returning to
+Marheyo's house. To this I objected; but, to my surprise, Kory-Kory
+reiterated his request, and with an unusual vehemence of manner. Still,
+however, I refused to comply, and was retreating before him, as in his
+importunity he pressed upon me, when I felt a heavy hand laid upon my
+shoulder, and turning round, encountered the bulky form of Mow-Mow, a
+one-eyed chief, who had just detached himself from the crowd below, and
+had mounted the rear of the pi-pi upon which we stood. His cheek had been
+pierced by the point of a spear, and the wound imparted a still more
+frightful expression to his hideously tattooed face, already deformed by
+the loss of an eye. The warrior, without uttering a syllable, pointed
+fiercely in the direction of Marheyo's house, while Kory-Kory, at the same
+time presenting his back, desired me to mount.
+
+I declined this offer, but intimated my willingness to withdraw, and moved
+slowly along the piazza, wondering what could be the cause of this unusual
+treatment. A few minutes' consideration convinced me that the savages were
+about to celebrate some hideous rite in connexion with their peculiar
+customs, and at which they were determined I should not be present. I
+descended from the pi-pi, and attended by Kory-Kory, who on this occasion
+did not show his usual commiseration for my lameness, but seemed only
+anxious to hurry me on, walked away from the place. As I passed through
+the noisy throng, which by this time completely environed the Ti, I looked
+with fearful curiosity at the three packages, which now were deposited
+upon the ground; but although I had no doubt as to their contents, still
+their thick coverings prevented my actually detecting the form of a human
+body.
+
+The next morning, shortly after sunrise, the same thundering sounds which
+had awakened me from sleep on the second day of the Feast of Calabashes,
+assured me that the savages were on the eve of celebrating another, and,
+as I fully believed, a horrible solemnity.
+
+All the inmates of the house, with the exception of Marheyo, his son, and
+Tinor, after assuming their gala dresses, departed in the direction of the
+Taboo Groves.
+
+Although I did not anticipate a compliance with my request, still, with a
+view of testing the truth of my suspicions, I proposed to Kory-Kory that,
+according to our usual custom in the morning, we should take a stroll to
+the Ti: he positively refused; and when I renewed the request, he evinced
+his determination to prevent my going there; and, to divert my mind from
+the subject, he offered to accompany me to the stream. We accordingly
+went, and bathed. On our coming back to the house, I was surprised to find
+that all its inmates had returned, and were lounging upon the mats as
+usual, although the drums still sounded from the groves.
+
+The rest of the day I spent with Kory-Kory and Fayaway, wandering about a
+part of the valley situated in an opposite direction from the Ti, and
+whenever I so much as looked towards that building, although it was hidden
+from view by intervening trees, and at the distance of more than a mile,
+my attendant would exclaim, "Taboo, taboo!"
+
+At the various houses where we stopped, I found many of the inhabitants
+reclining at their ease, or pursuing some light occupation, as if nothing
+unusual were going forward; but amongst them all I did not perceive a
+single chief or warrior. When I asked several of the people why they were
+not at the "Hoolah Hoolah" (the feast), they uniformly answered the
+question in a manner which implied that it was not intended for them, but
+for Mehevi, Narmonee, Mow-Mow, Kolor, Womonoo, Kalow, running over, in
+their desire to make me comprehend their meaning, the names of all the
+principal chiefs.
+
+Everything, in short, strengthened my suspicions with regard to the nature
+of the festival they were now celebrating; and which amounted almost to a
+certainty. While in Nukuheva I had frequently been informed that the whole
+tribe were never present at these cannibal banquets, but the chiefs and
+priests only; and everything I now observed agreed with the account.
+
+The sound of the drums continued without intermission the whole day, and
+falling continually upon my ear, caused me a sensation of horror which I
+am unable to describe. On the following day, hearing none of those noisy
+indications of revelry, I concluded that the inhuman feast was terminated,
+and feeling a kind of morbid curiosity to discover whether the Ti might
+furnish any evidence of what had taken place there, I proposed to
+Kory-Kory to walk there. To this proposition he replied by pointing with
+his finger to the newly-risen sun, and then up to the zenith, intimating
+that our visit must be deferred until noon. Shortly after that hour we
+accordingly proceeded to the Taboo Groves, and as soon as we entered their
+precincts, I looked fearfully round in quest of some memorial of the scene
+which had so lately been acted there; but everything appeared as usual. On
+reaching the Ti, we found Mehevi and a few chiefs reclining on the mats,
+who gave me as friendly a reception as ever. No allusions of any kind were
+made by them to the recent events; and I refrained, for obvious reasons,
+from referring to them myself.
+
+After staying a short time, I took my leave. In passing along the piazza,
+previously to descending from the pi-pi, I observed a curiously carved
+vessel of wood, of considerable size, with a cover placed over it, of the
+same material, and which resembled in shape a small canoe. It was
+surrounded by a low railing of bamboos, the top of which was scarcely a
+foot from the ground. As the vessel had been placed in its present
+position since my last visit, I at once concluded that it must have some
+connexion with the recent festival; and, prompted by a curiosity I could
+not repress, in passing it I raised one end of the cover; at the same
+moment the chiefs, perceiving my design, loudly ejaculated, "Taboo!
+taboo!" But the slight glimpse sufficed; my eyes fell upon the disordered
+members of a human skeleton, the bones still fresh with moisture, and with
+particles of flesh clinging to them here and there!
+
+Kory-Kory, who had been a little in advance of me, attracted by the
+exclamations of the chiefs, turned round in time to witness the expression
+of horror on my countenance. He now hurried towards me, pointing at the
+same time to the canoe, and exclaiming, rapidly, "Puarkee! puarkee!" (Pig,
+pig.) I pretended to yield to the deception, and repeated the words after
+him several times, as though acquiescing in what he said. The other
+savages, either deceived by my conduct, or unwilling to manifest their
+displeasure at what could not now be remedied, took no further notice of
+the occurrence, and I immediately left the Ti.
+
+All that night I lay awake, revolving in my mind the fearful situation in
+which I was placed. The last horrid revelation had now been made, and the
+full sense of my condition rushed upon my mind with a force I had never
+before experienced.
+
+Where, thought I, desponding, is there the slightest prospect of escape?
+The only person who seemed to possess the ability to assist me was the
+stranger, Marnoo; but would he ever return to the valley? and if he did,
+should I be permitted to hold any communication with him? It seemed as if
+I were cut off from every source of hope, and that nothing remained but
+passively to await whatever fate was in store for me. A thousand times I
+endeavoured to account for the mysterious conduct of the natives. For what
+conceivable purpose did they thus retain me a captive? What could be their
+object in treating me with such apparent kindness, and did it not cover
+some treacherous scheme? Or, if they had no other design than to hold me a
+prisoner, how should I be able to pass away my days in this narrow valley,
+deprived of all intercourse with civilized beings, and for ever separated
+from friends and home?
+
+One only hope remained to me. The French could not long defer a visit to
+the bay, and if they should permanently locate any of their troops in the
+valley, the savages could not for any length of time conceal my existence
+from them. But what reason had I to suppose that I should be spared until
+such an event occurred--an event which might be postponed by a hundred
+different contingencies?
+
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXXII
+
+
+     The stranger again arrives in the valley--Singular interview with
+      him--Attempt to escape--Failure--Melancholy situation--Sympathy of
+                                 Marheyo.
+
+
+"Marnoo, Marnoo pemi!" Such were the welcome sounds which fell upon my ear
+some ten days after the event related in the preceding chapter. Once more
+the approach of the stranger was heralded, and the intelligence operated
+upon me like magic. Again I should be able to converse with him in my own
+language; and I resolved, at all hazards, to concert with him some scheme,
+however desperate, to rescue me from a condition that had now become
+insupportable.
+
+As he drew near, I remembered with many misgivings the inauspicious
+termination of our former interview; and when he entered the house, I
+watched with intense anxiety the reception he met with from its inmates.
+To my joy, his appearance was hailed with the liveliest pleasure; and
+accosting me kindly, he seated himself by my side, and entered into
+conversation with the natives around him. It soon appeared, however, that
+on this occasion he had not any intelligence of importance to communicate.
+I inquired of him from whence he had last come? He replied, from Pueearka,
+his native valley, and that he intended to return to it the same day.
+
+At once it struck me that, could I but reach that valley under his
+protection, I might easily from thence reach Nukuheva by water; and,
+animated by the prospect which this plan held out, I disclosed it in a few
+brief words to the stranger, and asked him how it could be best
+accomplished. My heart sunk within me when, in his broken English, he
+answered me that it could never be effected. "Kannaka no let you go
+nowhere," he said, "you taboo. Why you no like to stay? Plenty moee-moee
+(sleep)--plenty ki-ki (eat)--plenty whihenee (young girls). Oh, very good
+place, Typee! Suppose you no like this bay, why you come? You no hear
+about Typee? All white men afraid Typee, so no white men come."
+
+These words distressed me beyond belief; and when I again related to him
+the circumstances under which I had descended into the valley and sought
+to enlist his sympathies in my behalf, by appealing to the bodily misery I
+endured, he listened to me with impatience, and cut me short by
+exclaiming, passionately, "Me no hear you talk any more; by by Kannaka get
+mad, kill you and me too. No, you see he no want you to speak to me at
+all?--you see--ah! by by you no mind--you get well, he kill you, eat you,
+hang you head up there, like Happar Kannaka. Now you listen--but no talk
+any more. By by I go;--you see way I go. Ah! then some night Kannaka all
+moee-moee (sleep)--you run away--you come Pueearka. I speak Pueearka
+Kannaka--he no harm you--ah! then I take you my canoe Nukuheva, and you no
+run away ship no more." With these words, enforced by a vehemence of
+gesture I cannot describe, Marnoo started from my side, and immediately
+engaged in conversation with some of the chiefs who had entered the house.
+
+It would have been idle for me to have attempted resuming the interview so
+peremptorily terminated by Marnoo, who was evidently little disposed to
+compromise his own safety by any rash endeavours to ensure mine. But the
+plan he had suggested struck me as one which might possibly be
+accomplished, and I resolved to act upon it as speedily as possible.
+
+Accordingly, when he arose to depart, I accompanied him, with the natives,
+outside of the house, with a view of carefully noting the path he would
+take in leaving the valley. Just before leaping from the pi-pi, he clasped
+my hand, and, looking significantly at me, exclaimed, "Now you see you do
+what I tell you--ah! then you do good;--you no do so--ah! then you die." The
+next moment he waved his spear in adieu to the islanders, and, following
+the route that conducted to a defile in the mountains lying opposite the
+Happar side, was soon out of sight.
+
+A mode of escape was now presented to me; but how was I to avail myself of
+it? I was continually surrounded by the savages; I could not stir from one
+house to another without being attended by some of them; and even during
+the hours devoted to slumber, the slightest movement which I made seemed
+to attract the notice of those who shared the mats with me. In spite of
+these obstacles, however, I determined forthwith to make the attempt. To
+do so with any prospect of success, it was necessary that I should have at
+least two hours' start before the islanders should discover my absence;
+for with such facility was any alarm spread through the valley, and so
+familiar, of course, were the inhabitants with the intricacies of the
+groves, that I could not hope, lame and feeble as I was, and ignorant of
+the route, to secure my escape unless I had this advantage. It was also by
+night alone that I could hope to accomplish my object, and then only by
+adopting the utmost precaution.
+
+The entrance to Marheyo's habitation was through a low narrow opening in
+its wicker-work front. This passage, for no conceivable reason that I
+could devise, was always closed after the household had retired to rest,
+by drawing a heavy slide across it, composed of a dozen or more bits of
+wood, ingeniously fastened together by seizings of sinnate. When any of
+the inmates chose to go outside, the noise occasioned by the removing of
+this rude door awakened everybody else; and on more than one occasion I
+had remarked that the islanders were nearly as irritable as more civilized
+beings under similar circumstances.
+
+The difficulty thus placed in my way I determined to obviate in the
+following manner. I would get up boldly in the course of the night, and,
+drawing the slide, issue from the house, and pretend that my object was
+merely to procure a drink from the calabash, which always stood without
+the dwelling on the corner of the pi-pi. On re-entering I would purposely
+omit closing the passage after me, and trusting that the indolence of the
+savages would prevent them from repairing my neglect, would return to my
+mat, and waiting patiently until all were again asleep, I would then steal
+forth, and at once take the route to Pueearka.
+
+  [Illustration: ABOUT MIDNIGHT I AROSE AND DREW THE SLIDE]
+
+The very night which followed Marnoo's departure, I proceeded to put this
+project into execution. About midnight, as I imagined, I arose and drew
+the slide. The natives, just as I had expected, started up, while some of
+them asked, "Arware poo awa, Tommo?" (where are you going, Tommo?) "Wai,"
+(water,) I laconically answered, grasping the calabash. On hearing my
+reply they sank back again, and in a minute or two I returned to my mat,
+anxiously awaiting the result of the experiment.
+
+One after another the savages, turning restlessly, appeared to resume
+their slumbers, and, rejoicing at the stillness which prevailed, I was
+about to rise again from my couch, when I heard a slight rustling--a dark
+form was intercepted between me and the doorway--the slide was drawn across
+it, and the individual, whoever he was, returned to his mat. This was a
+sad blow to me; but as it might have aroused the suspicions of the
+islanders to have made another attempt that night, I was reluctantly
+obliged to defer it until the next. Several times after I repeated the
+same manoeuvre, but with as little success as before. As my pretence for
+withdrawing from the house was to allay my thirst, Kory-Kory, either
+suspecting some design on my part, or else prompted by a desire to please
+me, regularly every evening placed a calabash of water by my side.
+
+Even under these inauspicious circumstances I again and again renewed the
+attempt; but when I did so, my valet always rose with me, as if determined
+I should not remove myself from his observation. For the present,
+therefore, I was obliged to abandon the attempt; but I endeavoured to
+console myself with the idea, that by this mode I might yet effect my
+escape.
+
+Shortly after Marnoo's visit I was reduced to such a state, that it was
+with extreme difficulty I could walk, even with the assistance of a spear,
+and Kory-Kory, as formerly, was obliged to carry me daily to the stream.
+
+For hours and hours, during the warmest part of the day, I lay upon my
+mat, and while those around me were nearly all dozing away in careless
+ease, I remained awake, gloomily pondering over the fate which it appeared
+now idle for me to resist. When I thought of the loved friends who were
+thousands and thousands of miles from the savage island in which I was
+held a captive--when I reflected that my dreadful fate would for ever be
+concealed from them, and that, with hope deferred, they might continue to
+await my return long after my inanimate form had blended with the dust of
+the valley, I could not repress a shudder of anguish.
+
+How vividly is impressed upon my mind every minute feature of the scene
+which met my view during those long days of suffering and sorrow. At my
+request my mats were always spread directly facing the door, opposite
+which, and at a little distance, was the hut of boughs that Marheyo was
+building.
+
+Whenever my gentle Fayaway and Kory-Kory, laying themselves down beside
+me, would leave me awhile to uninterrupted repose, I took a strange
+interest in the slightest movements of the eccentric old warrior. All
+alone, during the stillness of the tropical mid-day, he would pursue his
+quiet work, sitting in the shade and weaving together the leaflets of his
+cocoa-nut branches, or rolling upon his knee the twisted fibres of bark to
+form the cords with which he tied together the thatching of his tiny
+house. Frequently suspending his employment, and noticing my melancholy
+eye fixed upon him, he would raise his hand with a gesture expressive of
+deep commiseration, and then, moving towards me slowly, would enter on
+tip-toes, fearful of disturbing the slumbering natives, and, taking the
+fan from my hand, would sit before me, swaying it gently to and fro, and
+gazing earnestly into my face.
+
+Just beyond the pi-pi, and disposed in a triangle before the entrance of
+the house, were three magnificent bread-fruit trees. At this moment I can
+recall to my mind their slender shafts, and the graceful inequalities of
+their bark, on which my eye was accustomed to dwell, day after day, in the
+midst of my solitary musings. It is strange how inanimate objects will
+twine themselves into our affections, especially in the hour of
+affliction. Even now, amidst all the bustle and stir of the proud and busy
+city in which I am dwelling, the image of those three trees seems to come
+as vividly before my eyes as if they were actually present, and I still
+feel the soothing quiet pleasure which I then had in watching, hour after
+hour, their topmost boughs waving gracefully in the breeze.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXXIII
+
+
+                               The escape.
+
+
+Nearly three weeks had elapsed since the second visit of Marnoo, and it
+must have been more than four months since I entered the valley, when one
+day, about noon, and whilst everything was in profound silence, Mow-Mow,
+the one-eyed chief, suddenly appeared at the door, and leaning forward
+towards me as I lay directly facing him, said, in a low tone, "Toby pemi
+ena," (Toby has arrived here.) Gracious heaven! What a tumult of emotions
+rushed upon me at this startling intelligence! Insensible to the pain that
+had before distracted me, I leaped to my feet, and called wildly to
+Kory-Kory, who was reposing by my side. The startled islanders sprang from
+their mats; the news was quickly communicated to them; and the next moment
+I was making my way to the Ti on the back of Kory-Kory, and surrounded by
+the excited savages.
+
+All that I could comprehend of the particulars which Mow-Mow rehearsed to
+his auditors as we proceeded, was that my long-lost companion had arrived
+in a boat which had just entered the bay. These tidings made me most
+anxious to be carried at once to the sea, lest some untoward circumstance
+should prevent our meeting; but to this they would not consent, and
+continued their course towards the royal abode. As we approached it,
+Mehevi and several chiefs showed themselves from the piazza, and called
+upon us loudly to come to them.
+
+As soon as we had approached, I endeavoured to make them understand that I
+was going down to the sea to meet Toby. To this the king objected, and
+motioned Kory-Kory to bring me into the house. It was in vain to resist;
+and in a few moments I found myself within the Ti, surrounded by a noisy
+group engaged in discussing the recent intelligence. Toby's name was
+frequently repeated, coupled with violent exclamations of astonishment. It
+seemed as if they yet remained in doubt with regard to the fact of his
+arrival, and at every fresh report that was brought from the shore they
+betrayed the liveliest emotions.
+
+Almost frenzied at being held in this state of suspense, I passionately
+besought Mehevi to permit me to proceed. Whether my companion had arrived
+or not, I felt a presentiment that my own fate was about to be decided.
+Again and again I renewed my petition to Mehevi. He regarded me with a
+fixed and serious eye, but at length, yielding to my importunity,
+reluctantly granted my request.
+
+Accompanied by some fifty of the natives, I now rapidly continued my
+journey, every few moments being transferred from the back of one to
+another, and urging my bearer forward all the while with earnest
+entreaties. As I thus hurried forward, no doubt as to the truth of the
+information I had received ever crossed my mind. I was alive only to the
+one overwhelming idea, that a chance of deliverance was now afforded me,
+if the jealous opposition of the savages could be overcome.
+
+Having been prohibited from approaching the sea during the whole of my
+stay in the valley, I had always associated with it the idea of escape.
+Toby, too,--if indeed he had ever voluntarily deserted me,--must have
+effected his flight by the sea; and now that I was drawing near to it
+myself, I indulged in hopes which I had never felt before. It was evident
+that a boat had entered the bay, and I saw little reason to doubt the
+truth of the report that it had brought my companion. Every time,
+therefore, that we gained an elevation, I looked eagerly around, hoping to
+behold him.
+
+In the midst of an excited throng, who by their violent gestures and wild
+cries appeared to be under the influence of some excitement as strong as
+my own, I was now borne along at a rapid trot, frequently stooping my head
+to avoid the branches which crossed the path, and never ceasing to implore
+those who carried me to accelerate their already swift pace.
+
+In this manner we had proceeded about four or five miles, when we were met
+by a party of some twenty islanders, between whom and those who
+accompanied me ensued an animated conference. Impatient of the delay
+occasioned by this interruption, I was beseeching the man who carried me
+to proceed without his loitering companions, when Kory-Kory, running to my
+side, informed me, in three fatal words, that the news had all proved
+false--that Toby had not arrived--"Toby owlee permi." Heaven only knows how,
+in the state of mind and body I then was, I ever sustained the agony which
+this intelligence caused me; not that the news was altogether unexpected,
+but I had trusted that the fact might not have been made known until we
+should have arrived upon the beach. As it was, I at once foresaw the
+course the savages would pursue. They had only yielded thus far to my
+entreaties, that I might give a joyful welcome to my long-lost comrade;
+but now that it was known he had not arrived, they would at once oblige me
+to turn back.
+
+My anticipations were but too correct. In spite of the resistance I made,
+they carried me into a house which was near the spot, and left me upon the
+mats. Shortly afterwards, several of those who had accompanied me from the
+Ti, detaching themselves from the others, proceeded in the direction of
+the sea. Those who remained--among whom were Marheyo, Mow-Mow, Kory-Kory,
+and Tinor--gathered about the dwelling, and appeared to be awaiting their
+return.
+
+This convinced me that strangers--perhaps some of my own countrymen--had for
+some cause or other entered the bay. Distracted at the idea of their
+vicinity, and reckless of the pain which I suffered, I heeded not the
+assurances of the islanders that there were no boats at the beach, but,
+starting to my feet, endeavoured to gain the door. Instantly the passage
+was blocked up by several men, who commanded me to resume my seat. The
+fierce looks of the irritated savages admonished me that I could gain
+nothing by force, and that it was by entreaty alone that I could hope to
+compass my object.
+
+Guided by this consideration, I turned to Mow-Mow, the only chief present,
+whom I had been much in the habit of seeing, and, carefully concealing my
+real design, tried to make him comprehend that I still believed Toby to
+have arrived on the shore, and besought him to allow me to go forward to
+welcome him. To all his repeated assertions that my companion had not been
+seen, I pretended to turn a deaf ear: while I urged my solicitations with
+an eloquence of gesture which the one-eyed chief appeared unable to
+resist. He seemed, indeed, to regard me as a froward child, to whose
+wishes he had not the heart to oppose force, and whom he must consequently
+humour. He spoke a few words to the natives, who at once retreated from
+the door, and I immediately passed out of the house.
+
+Here I looked earnestly round for Kory-Kory; but that hitherto faithful
+servitor was nowhere to be seen. Unwilling to linger even for a single
+instant when every moment might be so important, I motioned to a muscular
+fellow near me to take me upon his back: to my surprise he angrily
+refused. I turned to another, but with a like result. A third attempt was
+as unsuccessful, and I immediately perceived what had induced Mow-Mow to
+grant my request, and why the other natives conducted themselves in so
+strange a manner. It was evident that the chief had only given me liberty
+to continue my progress towards the sea, because he supposed that I was
+deprived of the means of reaching it.
+
+Convinced by this of their determination to retain me a captive, I became
+desperate; and almost insensible to the pain which I suffered, I seized a
+spear which was leaning against the projecting eaves of the house, and,
+supporting myself with it, resumed the path that swept by the dwelling. To
+my surprise, I was suffered to proceed alone, all the natives remaining in
+front of the house, and engaging in earnest conversation, which every
+moment became more loud and vehement; and, to my unspeakable delight, I
+perceived that some difference of opinion had arisen between them; that
+two parties, in short, were formed, and consequently that, in their
+divided counsels, there was some chance of my deliverance.
+
+Before I had proceeded a hundred yards I was again surrounded by the
+savages, who were still in all the heat of argument, and appeared every
+moment as if they would come to blows. In the midst of this tumult old
+Marheyo came to my side, and I shall never forget the benevolent
+expression of his countenance. He placed his arm upon my shoulder, and
+emphatically pronounced one expressive English word I had taught
+him--"Home." I at once understood what he meant, and eagerly expressed my
+thanks to him. Fayaway and Kory-Kory were by his side, both weeping
+violently; and it was not until the old man had twice repeated the command
+that his son could bring himself to obey him, and take me again upon his
+back. The one-eyed chief opposed his doing so, but he was overruled, and,
+as it seemed to me, by some of his own party.
+
+We proceeded onwards, and never shall I forget the ecstacy I felt when I
+first heard the roar of the surf breaking upon the beach. Before long, I
+saw the flashing billows themselves through the opening between the trees.
+Oh! glorious sight and sound of ocean! with what rapture did I hail you as
+familiar friends. By this time the shouts of the crowd upon the beach were
+distinctly audible, and in the blended confusion of sounds I almost
+fancied I could distinguish the voices of my own countrymen.
+
+When we reached the open space which lay between the groves and the sea,
+the first object that met my view was an English whale-boat, lying with
+her bow pointed from the shore, and only a few fathoms distant from it. It
+was manned by five islanders, dressed in short tunics of calico. My first
+impression was that they were in the very act of pulling out from the bay;
+and that, after all my exertions, I had come too late. My soul sunk within
+me: but a second glance convinced me that the boat was only hanging off to
+keep out of the surf; and the next moment I heard my own name shouted out
+by a voice from the midst of the crowd.
+
+Looking in the direction of the sound, I perceived, to my indescribable
+joy, the tall figure of Karakoee, an Oahu Kannaka, who had often been
+aboard the _Dolly_ while she lay in Nukuheva. He wore the green
+shooting-jacket, with gilt buttons, which had been given to him by an
+officer of the _Reine Blanche_--the French flag-ship--and in which I had
+always seen him dressed. I now remembered the Kannaka had frequently told
+me that his person was tabooed in all the valleys of the island, and the
+sight of him at such a moment as this filled my heart with a tumult of
+delight.
+
+Karakoee stood near the edge of the water with a large roll of
+cotton-cloth thrown over one arm, and holding two or three canvas bags of
+powder, while with the other hand he grasped a musket, which he appeared
+to be proffering to several of the chiefs around him. But they turned with
+disgust from his offers, and seemed to be impatient at his presence, with
+vehement gestures waving him off to his boat, and commanding him to
+depart.
+
+The Kannaka, however, still maintained his ground, and I at once perceived
+that he was seeking to purchase my freedom. Animated by the idea, I called
+upon him loudly to come to me; but he replied, in broken English, that the
+islanders had threatened to pierce him with their spears, if he stirred a
+foot towards me. At this time I was still advancing, surrounded by a dense
+throng of the natives, several of whom had their hands upon me, and more
+than one javelin was threateningly pointed at me. Still I perceived
+clearly that many of those least friendly towards me looked irresolute and
+anxious.
+
+I was still some thirty yards from Karakoee, when my farther progress was
+prevented by the natives, who compelled me to sit down upon the ground,
+while they still retained their hold upon my arms. The din and tumult now
+became tenfold, and I perceived that several of the priests were on the
+spot, all of whom were evidently urging Mow-Mow and the other chiefs to
+prevent my departure; and the detestable word--"Roo-ne! Roo-ne!" which I
+had heard repeated a thousand times during the day, was now shouted on
+every side of me. Still I saw that the Kannaka continued his exertions in
+my favour--that he was boldly debating the matter with the savages, and was
+striving to entice them by displaying his cloth and powder, and snapping
+the lock of his musket. But all he said or did appeared only to augment
+the clamours of those around him, who seemed bent upon driving him into
+the sea.
+
+When I remembered the extravagant value placed by these people upon the
+articles which were offered to them in exchange for me, and which were so
+indignantly rejected, I saw a new proof of the same fixed determination of
+purpose they had all along manifested with regard to me, and in despair,
+and reckless of consequences, I exerted all my strength, and, shaking
+myself free from the grasp of those who held me, I sprang upon my feet and
+rushed towards Karakoee.
+
+The rash attempt nearly decided my fate; for, fearful that I might slip
+from them, several of the islanders now raised a simultaneous shout, and
+pressing upon Karakoee, they menaced him with furious gestures, and
+actually forced him into the sea. Appalled at their violence, the poor
+fellow, standing nearly to the waist in the surf, endeavoured to pacify
+them; but at length, fearful that they would do him some fatal violence,
+he beckoned to his comrades to pull in at once, and take him into the
+boat.
+
+It was at this agonizing moment, when I thought all hope was ended, that a
+new contest arose between the two parties, who had accompanied me to the
+shore; blows were struck, wounds were given, and blood flowed. In the
+interest excited by the fray, every one had left me except Marheyo,
+Kory-Kory, and poor dear Fayaway, who clung to me, sobbing convulsively. I
+saw that now or never was the moment. Clasping my hands together, I looked
+imploringly at Marheyo, and moved towards the now almost deserted beach.
+The tears were in the old man's eyes, but neither he nor Kory-Kory
+attempted to hold me, and I soon reached the Kannaka, who had anxiously
+watched my movements; the rowers pulled in as near as they dared to the
+edge of the surf; I gave one parting embrace to Fayaway, who seemed
+speechless with sorrow, and the next instant I found myself safe in the
+boat, and Karakoee by my side, who told the rowers at once to give way.
+Marheyo and Kory-Kory, and a great many of the women, followed me into the
+water, and I was determined, as the only mark of gratitude I could show,
+to give them the articles which had been brought as my ransom. I handed
+the musket to Kory-Kory, in doing which he would fain have taken hold of
+me, threw the roll of cotton to old Marheyo, pointing as I did so to poor
+Fayaway, who had retired from the edge of the water, and was sitting down
+disconsolate on the beach, and tumbled the powder-bags out to the nearest
+young ladies, all of whom were vastly willing to take them. This
+distribution did not occupy ten seconds, and before it was over the boat
+was under full way, the Kannaka all the while exclaiming loudly against
+what he considered a useless throwing away of valuable property.
+
+Although it was clear that my movements had been noticed by several of the
+natives, still they had not suspended the conflict in which they were
+engaged, and it was not until the boat was above fifty yards from the
+shore, that Mow-Mow and some six or seven other warriors rushed into the
+sea and hurled their javelins at us. Some of the weapons passed quite as
+close to us as was desirable, but no one was wounded, and the men pulled
+away gallantly. But although soon out of the reach of the spears, our
+progress was extremely slow; it blew strong upon the shore, and the tide
+was against us; and I saw Karakoee, who was steering the boat, give many a
+look towards a jutting point of the bay round which we had to pass.
+
+For a minute or two after our departure, the savages, who had formed into
+different groups, remained perfectly motionless and silent. All at once
+the enraged chief showed by his gestures that he had resolved what course
+he would take. Shouting loudly to his companions, and pointing with his
+tomahawk towards the headland, he set off at full speed in that direction,
+and was followed by about thirty of the natives, among whom were several
+of the priests, all yelling out, "Roo-ne! Roo-ne!" at the very top of
+their voices. Their intention was evidently to swim off from the headland
+and intercept us in our course. The wind was freshening every minute, and
+was right in our teeth, and it was one of those chopping, angry seas, in
+which it is so difficult to row. Still the chances seemed in our favour,
+but when we came within a hundred yards of the point, the active savages
+were already dashing into the water, and we all feared that within five
+minutes' time we should have a score of the infuriated wretches around us.
+If so our doom was sealed, for these savages, unlike the feeble swimmers
+of civilized countries, are, if anything, more formidable antagonists in
+the water than when on the land. It was all a trial of strength; our
+natives pulled till their oars bent again, and the crowd of swimmers shot
+through the water, despite its roughness, with fearful rapidity.
+
+By the time we had reached the headland, the savages were spread right
+across our course. Our rowers got out their knives and held them ready
+between their teeth, and I seized the boat-hook. We were all aware that if
+they succeeded in intercepting us, they would practise upon us the
+manoeuvre which proved so fatal to many a boat's crew in these seas. They
+would grapple the oars, and, seizing hold of the gunwale, capsize the
+boat, and then we should be entirely at their mercy.
+
+After a few breathless moments I discerned Mow-Mow. The athletic islander,
+with his tomahawk between his teeth, was dashing the water before him till
+it foamed again. He was the nearest to us, and in another instant he would
+have seized one of the oars. Even at the moment I felt horror at the act I
+was about to commit; but it was no time for pity or compunction, and with
+true aim, and exerting all my strength, I dashed the boat-hook at him. It
+struck him just below the throat, and forced him downwards. I had no time
+to repeat the blow, but I saw him rise to the surface in the wake of the
+boat, and never shall I forget the ferocious expression of his
+countenance.
+
+Only one other of the savages reached the boat. He seized the gunwale, but
+the knives of our rowers so mauled his wrists that he was forced to quit
+his hold, and the next minute we were past them all, and in safety. The
+strong excitement which had thus far kept me up, now left me, and I fell
+back fainting into the arms of Karakoee.
+
+                           * * * * * * * * * *
+
+The circumstances connected with my most unexpected escape may be very
+briefly stated. The captain of an Australian vessel being in distress for
+men in these remote seas, had put into Nukuheva in order to recruit his
+ship's company, but not a single man was to be obtained; and the barque
+was about to get under weigh, when she was boarded by Karakoee, who
+informed the disappointed Englishman that an American sailor was detained
+by the savages in the neighbouring bay of Typee; and he offered, if
+supplied with suitable articles of traffic, to undertake his release. The
+Kannaka had gained his intelligence from Marnoo, to whom, after all, I was
+indebted for my escape. The proposition was acceded to; and Karakoee,
+taking with him five tabooed natives of Nukuheva, again repaired aboard
+the barque, which in a few hours sailed to that part of the island, and
+threw her main-top-sail aback right off the entrance to the Typee bay. The
+whale-boat, manned by the tabooed crew, pulled towards the head of the
+inlet, while the ship lay "off and on" awaiting its return.
+
+The events which ensued have already been detailed, and little more
+remains to be related. On reaching the _Julia_, I was lifted over the
+side, and my strange appearance, and remarkable adventure, occasioned the
+liveliest interest. Every attention was bestowed upon me that humanity
+could suggest; but to such a state was I reduced, that three months
+elapsed before I recovered my health.
+
+The mystery which hung over the fate of my friend and companion, Toby, has
+never been cleared up. I still remain ignorant whether he succeeded in
+leaving the valley, or perished at the hands of the islanders.
+
+
+
+
+
+                                  SEQUEL
+
+
+                                CONTAINING
+
+
+                            THE STORY OF TOBY
+
+
+    NOTE.--The Author of "Typee" was more than two years in the South
+    Seas, after escaping from the valley, as recounted in the last
+    chapter. Some time after returning home the foregoing narrative
+    was published, though it was little thought at the time that this
+    would be the means of revealing the existence of Toby, who had
+    long been given up for lost. But so it proved. The story of his
+    escape supplies a natural sequel to the adventure, and as such it
+    is now added to the volume. It was related to the Author by Toby
+    himself.
+
+
+The morning my comrade left me, as related in the narrative, he was
+accompanied by a large party of the natives, some of them carrying fruit
+and hogs for the purposes of traffic, as the report had spread that boats
+had touched at the bay.
+
+As they proceeded through the settled parts of the valley, numbers joined
+them from every side, running with animated cries from every pathway. So
+excited were the whole party, that, eager as Toby was to gain the beach,
+it was almost as much as he could do to keep up with them. Making the
+valley ring with their shouts, they hurried along on a swift trot, those
+in advance pausing now and then, and flourishing their weapons to urge the
+rest forward.
+
+Presently they came to a place where the path crossed a bend of the main
+stream of the valley. Here a strange sound came through the grove beyond,
+and the islanders halted. It was Mow-Mow, the one-eyed chief, who had gone
+on before; he was striking his heavy lance against the hollow bough of a
+tree.
+
+This was a signal of alarm;--for nothing was now heard but shouts of
+"Happar! Happar!"--the warriors tilting with their spears and brandishing
+them in the air, and the women and boys shouting to each other, and
+picking up the stones in the bed of the stream. In a moment or two Mow-Mow
+and two or three other chiefs ran out from the grove, and the din
+increased tenfold.
+
+Now, thought Toby, for a fray; and being unarmed, he besought one of the
+young men domiciled with Marheyo for the loan of his spear. But he was
+refused; the youth roguishly telling him, that the weapon was very good
+for him (the Typee), but that a white man could fight much better with his
+fists.
+
+The merry humour of this young wag seemed to be shared by the rest, for in
+spite of their warlike cries and gestures, everybody was capering about
+and laughing, as if it was one of the funniest things in the world to be
+awaiting the flight of a score or two of Happar javelins from an ambush in
+the thickets.
+
+While my comrade was in vain trying to make out the meaning of all this, a
+good number of the natives separated themselves from the rest and ran off
+into the grove on one side, the others now keeping perfectly still, as if
+awaiting the result. After a little while, however, Mow-Mow, who stood in
+advance, motioned them to come on stealthily, which they did, scarcely
+rustling a leaf. Thus they crept along for ten or fifteen minutes, every
+now and then pausing to listen.
+
+Toby by no means relished this sort of skulking; if there was going to be
+a fight he wanted it to begin at once. But all in good time,--for just
+then, as they went prowling into the thickest of the wood, terrific howls
+burst upon them on all sides, and volleys of darts and stones flew across
+the path. Not an enemy was to be seen, and what was still more surprising,
+not a single man dropped, though the pebbles fell among the leaves like
+hail.
+
+There was a moment's pause, when the Typees, with wild shrieks, flung
+themselves into the covert, spear in hand; nor was Toby behind-hand.
+Coming so near getting his skull broken by the stones, and animated by an
+old grudge he bore the Happars, he was among the first to dash at them. As
+he broke his way through the underbush, trying, as he did so, to wrest a
+spear from a young chief, the shouts of battle all of a sudden ceased, and
+the wood was as still as death. The next moment, the party who had left
+them so mysteriously rushed out from behind every bush and tree, and
+united with the rest in long and merry peals of laughter.
+
+It was all a sham, and Toby, who was quite out of breath with excitement,
+was much incensed at being made a fool of.
+
+It afterwards turned out that the whole affair had been concerted for his
+particular benefit, though with what precise view it would be hard to
+tell. My comrade was the more enraged at this boy's play, since it had
+consumed so much time, every moment of which might be precious. Perhaps,
+however, it was partly intended for this very purpose; and he was led to
+think so, because, when the natives started again, he observed that they
+did not seem to be in so great a hurry as before. At last, after they had
+gone some distance, Toby, thinking all the while that they never would get
+to the sea, two men came running towards them, and a regular halt ensued,
+followed by a noisy discussion, during which Toby's name was often
+repeated. All this made him more and more anxious to learn what was going
+on at the beach; but it was in vain that he now tried to push forward; the
+natives held him back.
+
+In a few moments the conference ended, and many of them ran down the path
+in the direction of the water, the rest surrounding Toby, and entreating
+him to "Moee," or sit down and rest himself. As an additional inducement,
+several calabashes of food, which had been brought along, were now placed
+on the ground, and opened, and pipes also were lighted. Toby bridled his
+impatience awhile, but at last sprang to his feet and dashed forward
+again. He was soon overtaken nevertheless, and again surrounded, but
+without further detention was then permitted to go down to the sea.
+
+They came out on a bright green space between the groves and the water,
+and close under the shadow of the Happar mountain, where a path was seen,
+winding out of sight through a gorge.
+
+No sign of a boat, however, was beheld; nothing but a tumultuous crowd of
+men and women, and some one in their midst, earnestly talking to them. As
+my comrade advanced, this person came forward, and proved to be no
+stranger. He was an old grizzled sailor, whom Toby and myself had
+frequently seen in Nukuheva, where he lived an easy, devil-may-care life,
+in the household of Mowanna the king, going by the name of "Jimmy." In
+fact, he was the royal favourite, and had a good deal to say in his
+master's councils. He wore a Manilla hat, and a sort of tappa morning
+gown, sufficiently loose and negligent to show the verse of a song
+tattooed upon his chest, and a variety of spirited cuts by native artists
+in other parts of his body. He sported a fishing-rod in his hand, and
+carried a sooty old pipe slung about his neck.
+
+This old rover having retired from active life, had resided in Nukuheva
+some time--he could speak the language, and for that reason was frequently
+employed by the French as an interpreter. He was an arrant old gossip,
+too; for ever coming off in his canoe to the ships in the bay, and
+regaling their crews with choice little morsels of court scandal--such, for
+instance, as a shameful intrigue of his majesty with a Happar damsel, a
+public dancer at the feasts--and otherwise relating some incredible tales
+about the Marquesas generally. I remember, in particular, his telling the
+_Dolly's_ crew what proved to be literally a cock-and-bull story, about
+two natural prodigies, which he said were then on the island. One was an
+old monster of a hermit, having a marvellous reputation for sanctity, and
+reputed a famous sorcerer, who lived away off in a den among the
+mountains, where he hid from the world a great pair of horns that grew out
+of his temples. Notwithstanding his reputation for piety, his horrid old
+fellow was the terror of all the island round, being reported to come out
+from his retreat, and go a man-hunting every dark night. Some anonymous
+Paul Pry, too, coming down the mountain, once got a peep at his den, and
+found it full of bones. In short, he was a most unheard-of monster.
+
+The other prodigy Jimmy told us about, was the younger son of a chief,
+who, although but just turned of ten, had entered upon holy orders,
+because his superstitious countrymen thought him especially intended for
+the priesthood, from the fact of his having a comb on his head like a
+rooster. But this was not all: for, still more wonderful to relate, the
+boy prided himself upon this strange crest, being actually endowed with a
+cock's voice, and frequently crowing over his peculiarity.
+
+But to return to Toby. The moment he saw the old rover on the beach, he
+ran up to him, the natives following after, and forming a circle round
+them.
+
+After welcoming him to the shore, Jimmy went on to tell him how that he
+knew all about our having run away from the ship, and being among the
+Typees, indeed, he had been urged by Mowanna to come over to the valley,
+and, after visiting his friends there, to bring us back with him, his
+royal master being exceedingly anxious to share with him the reward which
+had been held out for our capture. He, however, assured Toby that he had
+indignantly spurned the offer.
+
+All this astonished my comrade not a little, as neither of us had
+entertained the least idea that any white man ever visited the Typees
+sociably. But Jimmy told him that such was the case, nevertheless,
+although he seldom came into the bay, and scarcely ever went back from the
+beach. One of the priests of the valley, in some way or other connected
+with an old tattooed divine in Nukuheva, was a friend of his, and through
+him he was "taboo."
+
+He said, moreover, that he was sometimes employed to come round to the
+bay, and engage fruit for ships lying in Nukuheva. In fact, he was now on
+that very errand, according to his own account, having just come across
+the mountains by the way of Happar. By noon of the next day, the fruit
+would be heaped up in stacks on the beach, in readiness for the boats,
+which he then intended to bring into the bay.
+
+Jimmy now asked Toby whether he wished to leave the island--if he did,
+there was a ship in want of men, lying in the other harbour, and he would
+be glad to take him over, and see him on board that very day.
+
+"No," said Toby; "I cannot leave the island, unless my comrade goes with
+me. I left him up the valley because they would not let him come down. Let
+us go now and fetch him."
+
+"But how is he to cross the mountain with us," replied Jimmy, "even if we
+get him down to the beach? Better let him stay till to-morrow, and I will
+bring him round to Nukuheva in the boats."
+
+"That will never do," said Toby; "but come along with me now, and let us
+get him down here at any rate"; and yielding to the impulse of the moment,
+he started to hurry back into the valley. But hardly was his back turned,
+when a dozen hands were laid on him, and he learned that he could not go a
+step farther.
+
+It was in vain that he fought with them: they would not hear of his
+stirring from the beach. Cut to the heart at this unexpected repulse, Toby
+now conjured the sailor to go after me alone. But Jimmy replied, that in
+the mood the Typees then were, they would not permit him to do so, though,
+at the same time, he was not afraid of their offering him any harm.
+
+Little did Toby then think, as he afterwards had good reason to suspect,
+that this very Jimmy was a heartless villain, who, by his arts, had just
+incited the natives to restrain him, as he was in the act of going after
+me. Well must the old sailor have known, too, that the natives would never
+consent to our leaving together; and he therefore wanted to get Toby off
+alone, for a purpose which he afterwards made plain. Of all this, however,
+my comrade now knew nothing.
+
+He was still struggling with the islanders, when Jimmy again came up to
+him, and warned him against irritating them, saying that he was only
+making matters worse for both of us, and if they became enraged, there was
+no telling what might happen. At last he made Toby sit down on a broken
+canoe, by a pile of stones, upon which was a ruinous little shrine,
+supported by four upright paddles, and in front partly screened by a net.
+The fishing parties met there, when they came in from the sea, for their
+offerings were laid before an image, upon a smooth black stone within.
+This spot, Jimmy said, was strictly "taboo," and no one would molest or
+come near him while he stayed by its shadow. The old sailor then went off,
+and began speaking very earnestly to Mow-Mow and some other chiefs, while
+all the rest formed a circle round the taboo place, looking intently at
+Toby, and talking to each other without ceasing.
+
+Now, notwithstanding what Jimmy had just told him, there presently came up
+to my comrade an old woman, who seated herself beside him on the canoe.
+
+"Typee Mortarkee?" said she. "Mortarkee muee," said Toby.
+
+She then asked whether he was going to Nukuheva; he nodded yes; and with a
+plaintive wail, her eyes filling with tears, she rose and left him.
+
+This old woman, the sailor afterwards said, was the wife of an aged king
+of a small inland valley, communicating by a deep pass with the country of
+the Typees. The inmates of the two valleys were related to each other by
+blood, and were known by the same name. The old woman had gone down into
+the Typee valley the day before, and was now, with three chiefs, her sons,
+on a visit to her kinsmen.
+
+As the old king's wife left him, Jimmy again came up to Toby, and told him
+that he had just talked the whole matter over with the natives, and there
+was only one course for him to follow. They would not allow him to go back
+into the valley, and harm would certainly come to both him and me, if he
+remained much longer on the beach. "So," said he, "you and I had better go
+to Nukuheva now overland, and to-morrow I will bring Tommo, as they call
+him, by water; they have promised to carry him down to the sea for me
+early in the morning, so that there will be no delay."
+
+"No, no," said Toby desperately, "I will not leave him that way; we must
+escape together."
+
+"Then there is no hope for you," exclaimed the sailor, "for if I leave you
+here on the beach, as soon as I am gone you will be carried back into the
+valley, and then neither of you will ever look upon the sea again." And
+with many oaths he swore that if he would only go to Nukuheva with him
+that day, he would be sure to have me there the very next morning.
+
+"But how do you know they will bring him down to the beach to-morrow, when
+they will not do so to-day?" said Toby. But the sailor had many reasons,
+all of which were so mixed up with the mysterious customs of the
+islanders, that he was none the wiser. Indeed, their conduct, especially
+in preventing him from returning into the valley, was absolutely
+unaccountable to him; and added to everything else was the bitter
+reflection, that the old sailor, after all, might possibly be deceiving
+him. And then again he had to think of me, left alone with the natives,
+and by no means well. If he went with Jimmy, he might at least hope to
+procure some relief for me. But might not the savages who had acted so
+strangely, hurry me off somewhere before his return? Then, even if he
+remained, perhaps they would not let him go back to the valley where I
+was.
+
+Thus perplexed was my poor comrade; he knew not what to do, and his
+courageous spirit was of no use to him now. There he was, all by himself,
+seated upon the broken canoe--the natives grouped around him at a distance,
+and eyeing him more and more fixedly.
+
+"It is getting late," said Jimmy, who was standing behind the rest.
+"Nukuheva is far off, and I cannot cross the Happar country by night. You
+see how it is:--if you come along with me, all will be well; if you do not,
+depend upon it neither of you will ever escape."
+
+"There is no help for it," said Toby, at last, with a heavy heart, "I will
+have to trust you"; and he came out from the shadow of the little shrine,
+and cast a long look up the valley.
+
+"Now keep close to my side," said the sailor, "and let us be moving
+quickly." Tinor and Fayaway here appeared; the kind-hearted old woman
+embracing Toby's knees, and giving way to a flood of tears; while Fayaway,
+hardly less moved, spoke some few words of English she had learned, and
+held up three fingers before him--in so many days he would return.
+
+At last Jimmy pulled Toby out of the crowd, and after calling to a young
+Typee who was standing by with a young pig in his arms, all three started
+for the mountains.
+
+"I have told them that you are coming back again," said the old fellow,
+laughing, as they began the ascent, "but they'll have to wait a long
+time." Toby turned, and saw the natives all in motion--the girls waving
+their tappas in adieu, and the men their spears. As the last figure
+entered the grove with one arm raised, and the three fingers spread, his
+heart smote him.
+
+As the natives had at last consented to his going, it might have been,
+that some of them, at least, really counted upon his speedy return;
+probably supposing, as indeed he had told them when they were coming down
+the valley, that his only object in leaving them was to procure the
+medicines I needed. This, Jimmy also must have told them. And as they had
+done before, when my comrade, to oblige me, started on his perilous
+journey to Nukuheva, they looked upon me, in his absence, as one of two
+inseparable friends who was a sure guarantee for the other's return. This
+is only my own supposition, however, for as to all their strange conduct,
+it is still a mystery.
+
+"You see what sort of a taboo man I am," said the sailor, after for some
+time silently following the path which led up the mountain. "Mow-Mow made
+me a present of this pig here, and the man who carries it will go right
+through Happar, and down into Nukuheva with us. So long as he stays by me
+he is safe, and just so it will be with you, and to-morrow with Tommo.
+Cheer up, then, and rely upon me, you will see him in the morning."
+
+The ascent of the mountain was not very difficult, owing to its being near
+to the sea, where the island ridges are comparatively low; the path, too,
+was a fine one, so that in a short time all three were standing on the
+summit with the two valleys at their feet. The white cascades marking the
+green head of the Typee valley first caught Toby's eye; Marheyo's house
+could easily be traced by them.
+
+As Jimmy led the way along the ridge, Toby observed that the valley of the
+Happars did not extend near so far inland as that of the Typees. This
+accounted for our mistake in entering the latter valley as we had.
+
+A path leading down from the mountain was soon seen, and, following it,
+the party were in a short time fairly in the Happar valley.
+
+"Now," said Jimmy, as they hurried on, "we taboo men have wives in all the
+bays, and I am going to show you the two I have here."
+
+So, when they came to the house where he said they lived--which was close
+by the base of the mountain, in a shady nook among the groves,--he went in,
+and was quite furious at finding it empty--the ladies had gone out.
+However, they soon made their appearance, and, to tell the truth, welcomed
+Jimmy quite cordially, as well as Toby, about whom they were very
+inquisitive. Nevertheless, as the report of their arrival spread, and the
+Happars began to assemble, it became evident that the appearance of a
+white stranger among them was not by any means deemed so wonderful an
+event as in the neighbouring valley.
+
+The old sailor bade his wives prepare something to eat, as he must be in
+Nukuheva before dark. A meal of fish, bread-fruit, and bananas, was
+accordingly served up, the party regaling themselves on the mats, in the
+midst of a numerous company.
+
+The Happars put many questions to Jimmy about Toby; and Toby himself
+looked sharply at them, anxious to recognise the fellow who gave him the
+wound from which he was still suffering. But this fiery gentleman, so
+handy with his spear, had the delicacy, it seemed, to keep out of view.
+Certainly the sight of him would not have been any added inducement to
+making him stay in the valley,--some of the afternoon loungers in Happar
+having politely urged Toby to spend a few days with them,--there was a
+feast coming on. He, however, declined.
+
+All this while the young Typee stuck to Jimmy like his shadow, and though
+as lively a dog as any of his tribe, he was now as meek as a lamb, never
+opening his mouth except to eat. Although some of the Happars looked
+queerly at him, others were more civil, and seemed desirous of taking him
+abroad and showing him the valley. But the Typee was not to be cajoled in
+that way. How many yards he would have to remove from Jimmy before the
+taboo would be powerless, it would be hard to tell, but probably he
+himself knew to a fraction.
+
+On the promise of a red cotton handkerchief, and something else which he
+kept secret, this poor fellow had undertaken a rather ticklish journey,
+though, as far as Toby could ascertain, it was something that had never
+happened before.
+
+The island-punch--arva--was brought in at the conclusion of the repast, and
+passed round in a shallow calabash.
+
+Now my comrade, while seated in the Happar house, began to feel more
+troubled than ever at leaving me: indeed, so sad did he feel that he
+talked about going back to the valley, and wanted Jimmy to escort him as
+far as the mountains. But the sailor would not listen to him, and, by way
+of diverting his thoughts, pressed him to drink of the arva. Knowing its
+narcotic nature, he refused; but Jimmy said he would have something mixed
+with it, which would convert it into an innocent beverage that would
+inspirit them for the rest of their journey. So at last he was induced to
+drink of it, and its effects were just as the sailor had predicted; his
+spirits rose at once, and all his gloomy thoughts left him.
+
+The old rover now began to reveal his true character, though he was hardly
+suspected at the time. "If I get you off to a ship," said he, "you will
+surely give a poor fellow something for saving you." In short, before they
+left the house, he made Toby promise that he would give him five Spanish
+dollars if he succeeded in getting any part of his wages advanced from the
+vessel, aboard of which they were going; Toby, moreover, engaging to
+reward him still farther, as soon as my deliverance was accomplished.
+
+A little while after this they started again, accompanied by many of the
+natives, and going up the valley, took a steep path near its head, which
+led to Nukuheva. Here the Happars paused, and watched them as they
+ascended the mountain, one group of bandit-looking fellows shaking their
+spears and casting threatening glances at the poor Typee, whose heart as
+well as heels seemed much the lighter when he came to look down upon them.
+
+On gaining the heights once more, their way led for a time along several
+ridges covered with enormous ferns. At last they entered upon a wooded
+tract, and here they overtook a party of Nukuheva natives, well armed, and
+carrying bundles of long poles. Jimmy seemed to know them all very well,
+and stopped for awhile, and had a talk about the "Wee-Wees," as the people
+of Nukuheva call the Monsieurs.
+
+The party with the poles were King Mowanna's men, and by his orders they
+had been gathering them in the ravines for his allies, the French.
+
+Leaving these fellows to trudge on with their loads, Toby and his
+companions now pushed forward again, as the sun was already low in the
+west. They came upon the valleys of Nukuheva on one side of the bay, where
+the highlands slope off into the sea. The men-of-war were still lying in
+the harbour, and as Toby looked down upon them, the strange events which
+had happened so recently seemed all a dream.
+
+They soon descended towards the beach, and found themselves in Jimmy's
+house before it was well dark. Here he received another welcome from his
+Nukuheva wives, and after some refreshments in the shape of cocoa-nut milk
+and poee-poee, they entered a canoe (the Typee, of course, going along)
+and paddled off to a whale-ship which was anchored near the shore. This
+was the vessel in want of men. Our own had sailed some time before. The
+captain professed great pleasure at seeing Toby, but thought from his
+exhausted appearance that he must be unfit for duty. However, he agreed to
+ship him, as well as his comrade as soon as he should arrive.
+
+Toby begged hard for an armed boat, in which to go round to Typee and
+rescue me, notwithstanding the promise of Jimmy. But this the captain
+would not hear of, and told him to have patience, for the sailor would be
+faithful to his word. When, too, he demanded the five silver dollars for
+Jimmy, the captain was unwilling to give them. But Toby insisted upon it,
+as he now began to think that Jimmy might be a mere mercenary, who would
+be sure to prove faithless if not well paid. Accordingly he not only gave
+him the money, but took care to assure him, over and over again, that as
+soon as he brought me aboard he would receive a still larger sum.
+
+Before sunrise the next day, Jimmy and the Typee started in two of the
+ship's boats, which were manned by tabooed natives. Toby, of course, was
+all eagerness to go along, but the sailor told him that if he did, it
+would spoil all; so, hard as it was, he was obliged to remain.
+
+Towards evening he was on the watch, and descried the boats turning the
+headland and entering the bay. He strained his eyes, and thought he saw
+me; but I was not there. Descending from the mast almost distracted, he
+grappled Jimmy as he struck the deck, shouting in a voice that startled
+him, "Where is Tommo?" The old fellow faltered, but soon recovering, did
+all he could to soothe him, assuring him that it had proved to be
+impossible to get me down to the shore that morning; assigning many
+plausible reasons, and adding that early on the morrow he was going to
+visit the bay again in a French boat, when, if he did not find me on the
+beach--as this time he certainly expected to--he would march right back into
+the valley, and carry me away at all hazards. He, however, again refused
+to allow Toby to accompany him.
+
+Now, situated as Toby was, his sole dependence for the present was upon
+Jimmy, and therefore he was fain to comfort himself as well as he could
+with what the old sailor told him.
+
+The next morning, however, he had the satisfaction of seeing the French
+boat start with Jimmy in it. To-night, then, I will see him, thought Toby;
+but many a long day passed before he ever saw Tommo again. Hardly was the
+boat out of sight, when the captain came forward and ordered the anchor
+weighed; he was going to sea.
+
+Vain were all Toby's ravings,--they were disregarded; and when he came to
+himself, the sails were set, and the ship fast leaving the land.
+
+... "Oh! said he to me at our meeting, what sleepless nights were mine.
+Often I started from my hammock, dreaming you were before me, and
+upbraiding me for leaving you on the island."
+
+There is little more to be related. Toby left his vessel at New Zealand,
+and after some further adventures, arrived home in less than two years
+after leaving the Marquesas. He always thought of me as dead--and I had
+every reason to suppose that he, too, was no more; but a strange meeting
+was in store for us, which made Toby's heart all the lighter.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                                 APPENDIX
+
+
+The author of this volume arrived at Tahiti the very day that the
+iniquitous designs of the French were consummated by inducing the
+subordinate chiefs, during the absence of their queen, to ratify an
+artfully-drawn treaty, by which she was virtually deposed. Both menaces
+and caresses were employed on this occasion, and the 32-pounders which
+peeped out of the port-holes of the frigate were the principal arguments
+adduced to quiet the scruples of the more conscientious islanders.
+
+And yet this piratical seizure of Tahiti, with all the woe and desolation
+which resulted from it, created not half so great a sensation, at least in
+America, as was caused by the proceedings of the English at the Sandwich
+Islands. No transaction has ever been more grossly misrepresented than the
+events which occurred upon the arrival of Lord George Paulet at Oahu.
+During a residence of four months at Honolulu, the metropolis of the
+group, the author was in the confidence of an Englishman who was much
+employed by his lordship; and great was the author's astonishment on his
+arrival at Boston, in the autumn of 1844, to read the distorted accounts
+and fabrications which had produced in the United States so violent an
+outbreak of indignation against the English. He deems it, therefore, a
+mere act of justice towards a gallant officer briefly to state the leading
+circumstances connected with the event in question.
+
+It is needless to rehearse all the abuse that for some time previous to
+the spring of 1843 had been heaped upon the British residents, especially
+upon Captain Charlton, Her Britannic Majesty's consul-general, by the
+native authorities of the Sandwich Islands. High in the favour of the
+imbecile king at this time was one Dr. Judd, a sanctimonious
+apothecary-adventurer, who, with other kindred and influential spirits,
+were animated by an inveterate dislike to England. The ascendancy of a
+junta of ignorant and designing Methodist elders in the councils of a
+half-civilised king, ruling with absolute sway over a nation just poised
+between barbarism and civilisation, and exposed by the peculiarities of
+its relations with foreign states to unusual difficulties, was not
+precisely calculated to impart a healthy tone to the policy of the
+government.
+
+At last matters were brought to such an extremity, through the iniquitous
+maladministration of affairs, that the endurance of further insults and
+injuries on the part of the British consul was no longer to be borne.
+Captain Charlton, insultingly forbidden to leave the islands,
+clandestinely withdrew, and arriving at Valparaiso, conferred with
+Rear-Admiral Thomas, the English commander-in-chief on the Pacific
+station. In consequence of this communication, Lord George Paulet was
+despatched by the admiral in the _Carysfort_ frigate, to inquire into and
+correct the alleged abuses. On arriving at his destination, he sent his
+first lieutenant ashore with a letter to the king, couched in terms of the
+utmost courtesy, and soliciting the honour of an audience. The messenger
+was denied access to His Majesty, and Paulet was coolly referred to Dr.
+Judd, and informed that the apothecary was invested with plenary powers to
+treat with him. Rejecting this insolent proposition, his lordship again
+addressed the king by letter, and renewed his previous request; but he
+encountered another repulse. Justly indignant at this treatment, he penned
+a third epistle, enumerating the grievances to be redressed, and demanding
+a compliance with his requisitions, under penalty of immediate
+hostilities.
+
+The government was now obliged to act, and an artful stroke of policy was
+decided upon by the despicable councillors of the king to entrap the
+sympathies and rouse the indignation of Christendom. His Majesty was made
+to intimate to the British captain that he could not, as the conscientious
+ruler of his beloved people, comply with the arbitrary demands of his
+lordship, and in deprecation of the horrors of war, tendered to his
+acceptance the _provisional cession_ of the islands, subject to the result
+of the negotiations then pending in London. Paulet, a bluff and
+straight-forward sailor, took the king at his word, and after some
+preliminary arrangements, entered upon the administration of Hawaiian
+affairs, in the same firm and benignant spirit which marked the discipline
+of his frigate, and which had rendered him the idol of his ship's company.
+He soon endeared himself to nearly all orders of the islanders; but the
+king and the chiefs, whose feudal sway over the common people was
+laboriously sought to be perpetuated by their missionary advisers,
+regarded all his proceedings with the most vigilant animosity. Jealous of
+his growing popularity, and unable to counteract it, they endeavoured to
+assail his reputation abroad by ostentatiously protesting against his
+acts, and appealing in Oriental phrase to the _wide universe_ to witness
+and compassionate their _unparalleled wrongs_.
+
+Heedless of their idle clamours, Lord George Paulet addressed himself to
+the task of reconciling the differences among the foreign residents,
+remedying their grievances, promoting their mercantile interests, and
+ameliorating, as far as lay in his power, the condition of the degraded
+natives. The iniquities he brought to light and instantly suppressed are
+too numerous to be here recorded; but one instance may be mentioned that
+will give some idea of the lamentable misrule to which these poor
+islanders are subjected.
+
+It is well known that the laws at the Sandwich Islands are subject to the
+most capricious alterations, which, by confounding all ideas of right and
+wrong in the minds of the natives, produce the most pernicious effects. In
+no case is this mischief more plainly descernible than in the continually
+shifting regulations concerning licentiousness. At one time the most
+innocent freedoms between the sexes are punished with fine and
+imprisonment; at another the revocation of the statute is followed by the
+most open and undisguised profligacy.
+
+It so happened that at the period of Paulet's arrival the Connecticut blue
+laws had been for at least three weeks steadily enforced. In consequence
+of this, the fort at Honolulu was filled with a great number of young
+girls, who were confined there doing penance for their slips from virtue.
+Paulet, although at first unwilling to interfere with regulations having
+reference solely to the natives themselves, was eventually, by the
+prevalence of certain reports, induced to institute a strict inquiry into
+the internal administration of General Kekuanoa, governor of the island of
+Oahu, one of the pillars of the Hawaiian Church, and captain of the fort.
+He soon ascertained that numbers of the young females employed during the
+day at work intended for the benefit of the king, were at night smuggled
+over the ramparts of the fort--which on one side directly overhangs the
+sea--and were conveyed by stealth on board such vessels as had contracted
+with the General to be supplied with them. Before daybreak they returned
+to their quarters, and their own silence with regard to these secret
+excursions was purchased by a small portion of those wages of iniquity
+which were placed in the hands of Kekuanoa.
+
+The vigour with which the laws concerning licentiousness were at that
+period enforced, enabled the General to monopolise in a great measure the
+detestable trade in which he was engaged, and there consequently flowed
+into his coffers--and some say into those of the government
+also--considerable sums of money. It is indeed a lamentable fact that the
+principal revenue of the Hawaiian government is derived from the fines
+levied upon, or rather the licences taken out by Vice, the prosperity of
+which is linked with that of the government. Were the people to become
+virtuous the authorities would become poor; but from present indications
+there is little apprehension to be entertained on that score.
+
+Some five months after the date of the cession, the _Dublin_ frigate,
+carrying the flag of Rear-Admiral Thomas, entered the harbour of Honolulu.
+The excitement that her sudden appearance produced on shore was
+prodigious. Three days after her arrival an English sailor hauled down the
+red cross which had been flying from the heights of the fort, and the
+Hawaiian colours were again displayed upon the same staff. At the same
+moment the long 42-pounders upon Punchbowl Hill opened their iron throats
+in triumphant reply to the thunders of the five men-of-war in the harbour;
+and King Kammahammaha III, surrounded by a splendid group of British and
+American officers, unfurled the royal standard to assembled thousands of
+his subjects, who, attracted by the imposing military display of the
+foreigners, had flocked to witness the formal restoration of the islands
+to their ancient rulers.
+
+The admiral, after sanctioning the proceedings of his subaltern, had
+brought the authorities to terms; and so removed the necessity of acting
+any longer under the provisional cession.
+
+The event was made an occasion of riotous rejoicing by the king and the
+principal chiefs, who easily secured a display of enthusiasm from the
+inferior orders, by remitting for a time the accustomed severity of the
+laws. Royal proclamations in English and Hawaiian were placarded in the
+streets of Honolulu, and posted up in the more populous villages of the
+group, in which His Majesty announced to his loving subjects the
+re-establishment of his throne, and called upon them to celebrate it by
+breaking through all moral, legal, and religious restraint for ten
+consecutive days, during which time all the laws of the land were solemnly
+declared to be suspended.
+
+Who that happened to be at Honolulu during those ten memorable days will
+ever forget them! The spectacle of universal broad-day debauchery, which
+was then exhibited, beggars description. The natives of the surrounding
+islands flocked to Honolulu by hundreds, and the crews of two frigates,
+opportunely let loose like so many demons to swell the heathenish uproar,
+gave the crowning flourish to the scene. It was a sort of Polynesian
+saturnalia. Deeds too atrocious to be mentioned were done at noon-day in
+the open street, and some of the islanders, caught in the very act of
+stealing from the foreigners, were, on being taken to the fort by the
+aggrieved party, suffered immediately to go at large and to retain the
+stolen property--Kekuanoa informing the white men, with a sardonic grin,
+that the laws were "hannapa" (tied up).
+
+The history of these ten days reveals in their true colours the character
+of the Sandwich islanders, and furnishes an eloquent commentary on the
+results which have flowed from the labours of the missionaries. Freed from
+the restraint of severe penal laws, the natives almost to a man had
+plunged voluntarily into every species of wickedness and excess, and by
+their utter disregard of all decency plainly showed that, although they
+had been schooled into a seeming submission to the new order of things,
+they were in reality as depraved and vicious as ever.
+
+Such were the events which produced in America so general an outbreak of
+indignation against the spirited and high-minded Paulet. He is not the
+first man who, in the fearless discharge of his duty, has awakened the
+senseless clamours of those whose narrow-minded suspicions blind them to a
+proper appreciation of measures which unusual exigencies may have rendered
+necessary.
+
+It is almost needless to add that the British cabinet never had any idea
+of appropriating the islands; and it furnishes a sufficient vindication of
+the acts of Lord George Paulet, that he not only received the unqualified
+approbation of his own government, but that to this hour the great body of
+the Hawaiian people invoke blessings on his head, and look back with
+gratitude to the time when his liberal and paternal sway diffused peace
+and happiness among them.
+
+
+
+
+
+                                FOOTNOTES
+
+
+    1 The word "kannaka" is at the present day universally used in the
+      South Seas by Europeans to designate the islanders. In the various
+      dialects of the principal groups it is simply a sexual designation
+      applied to the males; but it is now used by the natives in their
+      intercourse with foreigners in the same sense in which the latter
+      employ it.
+
+      A "tabooed kannaka" is an islander whose person has been made, to a
+      certain extent, sacred by the operation of a singular custom
+      hereafter to be explained.
+
+    2 I presume this might be translated into "Strong Waters." Arva is the
+      name bestowed upon a root, the properties of which are both
+      inebriating and medicinal. "Wai" is the Marquesan word for water.
+
+    3 White appears to be the sacred colour among the Marquesans.
+
+    4 The word "Artua," although having some other significations, is in
+      nearly all the Polynesian dialects used as the general designation
+      of the gods.
+
+    5 The strict honesty which the inhabitants of nearly all the
+      Polynesian Islands manifest towards each other, is in striking
+      contrast with the thieving propensities some of them evince in their
+      intercourse with foreigners. It would almost seem that, according to
+      their peculiar code of morals, the pilfering of a hatchet or a
+      wrought nail from a European is looked upon as a praiseworthy
+      action. Or rather, it may be presumed, that bearing in mind the
+      wholesale forays made upon them by their nautical visitors, they
+      consider the property of the latter as a fair object of reprisal.
+      This consideration, while it serves to reconcile an apparent
+      contradiction in the moral character of the islanders, should in
+      some measure alter that low opinion of it which the reader of South
+      Sea voyages is too apt to form.
+
+
+
+
+
+                            TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE
+
+
+Obvious typographical errors were corrected:
+
+      page vi, "Mysterious" changed to "mysterious"
+      page 2, "attentuated" changed to "attenuated"
+      page 3, quote mark added after first "Marquesas!"
+      page 7, double primes changed to primes in first coordinate
+      page 18, "coacoa-nut" changed to "cocoa-nut"
+      page 23, period changed to comma after "home"
+      page 26, "tatooed" changed to "tattooed"
+      page 52, "Decend" changed to "Descend"
+      page 62, "hairbreath" changed to "hairbreadth"
+      page 66, "inceased" changed to "increased"
+      page 89, "interwined" changed to "intertwined"
+      page 112, "preverse" changed to "perverse"
+      page 120, "kemp" changed to "kelp"
+      page 123, "As" changed to "At"
+      page 150, period added after "enemy"
+      page 199, "Figneroa" changed to "Figueroa"
+      page 242, "as" changed to "is"
+      page 273, "tumultous" changed to "tumultuous"
+      page 281, comma added after "course"
+
+Spelling variations were not normalized (e. g. "figure head",
+"figure-head" and "figurehead", "forefinger" and "fore-finger", "clamor"
+and "clamour", "verd-antique" and "verde-antique", "incumbrances" and
+"encumber").
+
+
+
+
+
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